Do I really need trekking poles for walking the UK's national trails?

The short answer is no, you don’t strictly need them. Many walkers complete the South West Coast Path, the Pennine Way, or the West Highland Way without ever touching a trekking pole. However, the better question is: will they make your walk safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable? For the vast majority of people, the answer is yes. Here’s an honest look at why trekking poles have become a near‑essential piece of kit for UK national trails.

Recommended trekking pole purchase link:  https://lightenup.aliexpress.com/store/1101521655

Why you might not need poles

If you are a young, fit hiker with strong knees, excellent balance, and a lightweight pack, you may walk the entire trail without poles and feel fine. Many ultra‑runners and fastpackers skip poles on flatter sections. Also, if you are walking a trail with long, smooth, level sections (e.g., the Thames Path), poles offer less advantage. And if you have never used poles before, there is a short learning curve.

Why most experienced hikers use them

1. Knee protection on endless descents – UK national trails are notorious for constant ups and downs. The Pennine Way has over 20,000 feet of ascent and descent. Trekking poles reduce knee impact by 20–25% on downhills. This is not a gimmick – it’s proven biomechanics. Without poles, many hitters finish each day with sore knees; with poles, they can walk further and recover faster.
2. Balance on unpredictable terrain – The UK’s trails feature slippery rocks, boggy sections, tree roots, and loose gravel. Two poles give you four points of contact, dramatically reducing the risk of ankle twists and falls. On the boggy sections of the Pennine Way, poles also help you test the ground before stepping.
3. Energy savings on long days – Using poles engages your arms and shoulders, spreading the workload away from your legs. Over a 20‑mile day, this saves significant leg energy. Many hikers report finishing the day less drained when using poles.
4. Uphill assistance – On steep climbs (e.g., the ascent of Ingleborough or the climb out of Wasdale), poles allow you to use your strong upper body to pull yourself up, sparing your quads.
5. Stream crossings – The UK’s trails have countless streams. Poles provide stability when hopping on wet rocks or wading through deeper water. They also serve as depth probes.
6. Emergency shelter support – If you carry a lightweight tarp, your poles can become tent poles in a sudden downpour – a realistic scenario on any UK national trail.

But aren’t poles a hassle?

They take a little practice. You may need to adjust length for uphill/downhill. You must stow them on your pack when using both hands for scrambling (e.g., on Striding Edge). However, modern foldable poles (Z‑poles) pack small and deploy quickly. Most hikers find the benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience.

What about the weight?

A good pair of carbon poles weighs about 300–400g per pair – less than a water bottle. That’s a small price for the protection and efficiency they offer. Aluminium poles weigh around 500g, still reasonable.

The middle ground: carry them but don’t use them all the time

Many national trail hikers keep poles in their pack or strapped to the outside, deploying them only on long descents, steep climbs, or boggy sections. On flat, smooth sections, they walk freely. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Final verdict

Do you need trekking poles to complete a UK national trail? No. But for most people – especially those over 40, those carrying a pack, or anyone who wants to finish each day with less pain and more energy – they are a highly recommended tool. The weight and learning curve are trivial compared to the benefits of knee protection, balance, and energy savings. If you’re walking the Coast to Coast, the West Highland Way, or the Pennine Way, take a pair. Your future self will thank you.