This post’s a little step off the usual path for Polyglossic, but only just. Walking and language learning go hand in hand, especially when you’re exploring a country where your target language is spoken. So much of language acquisition happens when your mind is open, your eyes are alert, and your feet are moving.

For me, some of the best moments with my languages haven’t come from a screen or a study book – they’ve arrived out in the wild. Sometimes it’s just about that space for cogitation and mulling over stuff you’ve read or heard in recent weeks. Whether I’m up in the Highlands, rambling a trail in Norway, climbing in Austria or sweating through a Greek coastal path, I’m always learning, or thinking – about words, about landscapes, and a bit about myself.

Still, a good hike is only enjoyable when you’re properly prepared – and I’ve had more than one trip nearly derailed by rookie mistakes. So here are my tried-and-tested hiking tips, with a wee nod to my fellow language lovers.

Smart Hiking Tips for Language Lovers on the Move

1. COMPEED BLISTER PLASTERS

Genuinely life-saving. These little miracles act like a second skin – perfect for rescuing rubbed heels or toes mid-walk. I’ve come close to turning back before applying one and enjoying their almost magical healing powers. These days, I often pop one on before any trouble starts, especially with new boots or a steep climb ahead.

2. Carry more water than you think you’ll need

I once started a walk with a single 1L bottle, thinking it would be plenty. Big mistake. Even in cooler weather, you lose a surprising amount through sweat, especially uphill. There is nothing worse than being miles from the end of a hike and worrying about how much water you have left.

I now carry two bottles minimum, plus an isotonic drink (make your own with fizzy isotonic tabs) if I’m walking for hours in the sun. Keep those salts in, gang.

3. Sunscreen and a hat – even when it’s cloudy

UV rays don’t care about clouds. I’ve returned from a grey, misty day on a Scottish ridge looking like a boiled ham. Don’t be fooled. A cap and high-factor sunscreen are musts. Apply generously, and reapply – especially if you’re sweating. Neck, ears, backs of knees: don’t forget the usual suspects.

4. Make space for language

Even though this post is mostly about hiking prep, a quick nudge for the polyglots: download a podcast in your target language, or look out for waymarkers, signs and posters in the local lingo. Snapping photos of unknown words on the trail and translating them later is one of my favourite lazy-vocab activities.

Language Learning While Walking: A Natural Pairing

There’s something meditative about walking. It frees the mind to notice – and languages thrive in that kind of space. You don’t have to turn every hike into a vocab test, but letting the target language hover around your walk – in sound, signage, or even internal monologue – makes the whole thing richer.

So yes, this is a post about hiking tips – but it’s also a gentle nod to how walking and language learning complement each other. Travel with intention. Pack wisely.

And keep one ear tuned to the words on the wind.