How to plan a hiking date

Pick an easy, busy trail

Choose a well-marked trail that is under an hour each way, with little climbing. A popular park route with other walkers around is ideal. Avoid remote trails, long summit pushes and anything with no phone signal for a first meeting.

Check the route and the weather the day before. Have a backup, like a lakeside path or a city park, in case it rains or the trail is closed.

Keep your phone in your pocket on the trail except for photos and directions. Talking is the whole point, and a screen between you slows it down. If one of you wants to stop and rest, treat it as a good excuse for a snack and a chat.

What to wear and bring

Dress comfortably and sensibly, and ask them to do the same. Nobody wants to be on a trail in new boots.

If you have a dog or a stroller to manage, say so ahead of time so the route can suit it. And if either of you has a knee or an ankle that complains, choose flat ground and say so without embarrassment.

• Closed shoes with grip. Trail runners or trainers are fine.
• Layers you can take off, plus a light rain jacket if the sky looks unsure.
• Water for each of you, and a small snack to share.
• A charged phone and a battery pack.
• Sun protection and insect repellent in season.

Set the length and the pace

Agree on a time frame up front, such as 'a 90 minute loop, then a coffee'. Start slowly. Stop at viewpoints and let the other person set the speed. If one of you is tired, turn around. Nobody wins a first-date hike.

Watch the daylight. Start early enough to finish well before dusk, and tell each other if you want to head back.

Stay safe

Share the trail name and your timing with a friend, and let them know when you are back. Meet at the trailhead and travel separately. Do not share your home address or get in their car. Trust your gut: if something feels off, you can turn around at any point, and you do not owe an explanation.

The safe first date checklist has the full list. A hike is a good fit when the route is public, popular and short.

Make the most of it

Walking makes talking easy. Ask about favourite trips, places they would go back to, or what they like about being outside. Pause for photos, and share a snack at the top.

Finish at a cafe or a food truck near the trailhead. On MeetBites, you could post the hike as a plan with the trailhead as the venue and a morning time. If walking is not their thing, a rainy-day idea might suit.