The Hiking Podcast
The Hiking Podcast is hosted by Tom Smith, a mountain leader; Laurie Crayston, a record-breaking hiker; and Paul Burrow, a self-described average-joe hiker. With over 35 years of combined experience in the mountains, the trio share real stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice for hikers of all levels. The conversations are relaxed, honest, and often drift beyond hiking, reflecting the reality of long days on the hill. It’s equal parts insight, humour, and storytelling - three mates talking mountains, miles, and life.
Episodes
64: Should You Have To Queue On A Summit? + Cold Water Exposure
64: Queueing On A Mountain Summit - Yes Or No? + Cold Water Exposure
63: How To Become A Multi-Day Hiker
63: How To Become A Multi-Day Hiker
62: Putting Your Waterproofs In The Tumble Dryer - OK or Not OK?
62: Putting Your Waterproofs In The Tumble Dryer - OK or Not OK?
61: Does The Hiking Community Actually Care For The Outdoors?
61: Does The Hiking Community Actually Care For The Outdoors?
60: What Kit Is Actually Worth The Money?
Tom's guided hikes - https://trekkingtom.com/Five FREE hiking workouts - https://www.thehikingcoach.co.uk/free-resources/5-free-hiking-workouts-ebook-pdfTom’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/trekking.tom.experiences/Paul’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzardhikes/The Hiking Coach Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.hiking.coach/Laurie’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.c
59: Kit vs Experience - What's More Important In The Mountains?
59: Kit vs Experience - What's More Important In The Mountains?
58: Burnout & Recovery - Hiking 9 Days Straight
58: Burnout & Recovery - Hiking 9 Days Straight
57: How Do I Get My Friends To Enjoy Hiking? + How Do I Hold On To The Mountain Feeling Once I'm Back Home?
57: How Do I Get My Friends To Enjoy Hiking? + How Do I Hold On To The Mountain Feeling Once I'm Back Home?
56: Wildfires, Idiots & The End Of The World
56: Wildfires, Idiots & The End Of The World
55: Weightloss On Multi-Day Hikes, National 4 Peaks Attempt & Tom's Renewed Love Of Wild Camping
55: Weightloss On Multi-Day Hikes, National 4 Peaks Attempt & Tom's Renewed Love Of Wild Camping
54: Running 5km Won't Make You A Better Hiker, Tom's Final Wainwrights & 8 New Earned It Co Medals
54: Running 5km Won't Make You A Better Hiker, Tom's Final Wainwrights & 8 New Earned It Co Medals
53: Shoulder Pain From Your Backpack, Is The Hiking Industry Stuck In Outdated Ways, Tom's Arrogance & Paul's Shoe Cloths
53: Shoulder Pain From Your Backpack, Is The Hiking Industry Stuck In Outdated Ways, Tom's Arrogance & Paul's Shoe Cloths
52: Does Leave No Trace Apply If Nobody Is Watching? Speakers In The Mountains + More
52: Does Leave No Trace Apply If Nobody Is Watching? Speakers In The Mountains + More
51: Should We Be Allowed to Make Bad Decisions in the Mountains? Is Turning Someone Back The Right Call? + More
51: Should We Be Allowed to Make Bad Decisions in the Mountains? Is Turning Someone Back The Right Call? + More
50: Why Do I Keep Getting Blisters? 4000 Meter Peaks & More
50: Why Do I Keep Getting Blisters? 4000 Meter Peaks & More
49: Hiking Poles: Yes or No?
49: Hiking Poles: Yes or No?
48: Q&A - Tips for Beginners, Peak Bagging vs Taking It Slow & Our ream Hike Recommendations
48: Q&A - Tips for Beginners, Peak Bagging vs Taking It Slow & Our ream Hike Recommendations
47: Risk vs Reward: Are We Pushing Too Hard?
In this episode the guys delve into risk vs reward in adventure and ask if social media is making us all push a little too far?
46: Erecting a Cross on Scafell Pike, Wainwright The Influencer, Ashes, Etiquette & More
46: Erecting a Cross on Scafell Pike, Wainwright The Influencer, Ashes, Etiquette & More
45: Conversations on Hikes, Farmer's Fighting Back, Fly Camping & More
45: Conversations on Hikes, Farmer's Fighting Back, Fly Camping & More
44: Hot Dogs & Chatting Wet - We're Back
In this episode the guys discuss all manner of things as they return from their 6 week absence - apologies in advance.
43: Will Mountain Rescue Judge Me? How To Know If A Hike Is Boggy & IG Hikers Settling Scores In The Ring + More!
43: Will Mountain Rescue Judge Me? How To Know If A Hike Is Boggy & IG Hikers Settling Scores In The Ring + More!Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and
42: Alpine Divorce: Till Summit Do Us Part
In this episode the guys discuss alpine divorce, a man who walked 450km to cool off after an argument and more.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and ou
41: Paving the Lake District: Are We Forgetting What Wild Actually Means?
The guys discuss the new work on Wainwrights C2C path, the implications it might have for the future as well as discussing hidden gems, influencers and answering how they deal with false summits.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not cons
40: Should You Stop Wearing Hiking Boots?
The guys delve deeper into the great hiking boot debate.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inherent risks. Conditions, te
39: Tom's USA Road Trip, Lake District Bouncers, Navigating Clag & More
39: Tom's USA Road Trip, Lake District Bouncers, Navigating Clag & MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inheren
38: The Ghost of Illegal Fly Camping
In the episode the guys discuss the do's and don'ts of wild camping, share some of their own stories and have an eerie encounter in the studio.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safe
37: Are Hikers Carrying Too Much Water?
The guys discuss their hydration strategies, mistakes and more.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inherent risks. Conditi
36: Building Base Fitness, Nutrition & Pacing Mistakes & More
The guys talk about zone 2 hiking, recovery, stretching , nutrition and much, much more.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involv
35: Knee Pain & Twisted Ankles: How To Bulletproof Your Body Against Common Mountain Injuries (Part 1)
In these episode the guys discuss how to get your body mountain ready, Paul's recent injury, walking technique and more.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaine
34: How Not To Die On A Mountain: Part 2 - You're Not A Badass Yet.
The guys continue their discussion around mountain safety; covering why hiking is seen as easy, it's coolness, turning back and much more.Plus a listener question: what's better, the journey to the summit or the summit itself?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entert
33: How Not To Die On A Mountain: Pt 1 - Pre Planning
Is checking the weather more important than checking the route, or vice versa? Perhaps both are necessary? The guys debate this in part one of a mini-series aimed at preventing worst case scenarios in the mountains. And Paul laughs at Laurie's recent mishap.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for ge
32: Hiking in Storm Dave, Tom's Wedding & Has Hiking Changed Forever?
The guy's discuss Tom's wedding, hiking in a recent storm - including tips on staying safe - and answer a listener question about whether hiking culture has changed.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, l
31: Is Hiking Hedonistic? Do Ridges Make You A Better Hiker? + Tom's Safety Briefing
31: Is Hiking Hedonistic? Do Ridges Make You A Better Hiker? + Tom's Safety Briefing
30: Ascending Without Stopping, Music In The Mountains, Dealing With Fear + More
In this episode the guys cover a variety of topics and answer listener questions:Who would cry first in bad weather?What's your weirdest mountain ecounter?What's the worst piece of hiking gear you've bought?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purpose
29: Avoiding Group Hike Creeps & Quality vs Qualified Mountain Leaders
Inspired by recent discussions and events, the guys weigh in on how to find safe group hikes, getting blocked by unqualified organisers and raise questions about the mountain leader qualification.Plus: The Lakeland Buzzard delivers his second Interesting Fact of The Week.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are inten
28: The Mindset of Endurance Hiking + Is Instagram Helping or Hurting?
In this episode the guys answer two listener questions, discussing their own techniques when hiking long distances and whether or not social media has been a good/bad thing for hiking.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute prof
27: Ego vs Safety: Is Summit Fever Pushing Us Past Our Limits?
In this episode the guys discuss decision making in potentially dangerous situations and relive stories of pushing on and/or turning back in a variety of situations. The mountains will always be there.And, Tom drops an unusual fact.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertai
26: Visitor Taxes for UK National Parks?!
The guys discuss the implications of introducing a visitor tax to the Lake District and, is Seathwaite the UK's answer to Zion National Park?Listener Q&A: What would you call a new Lake District peak?When will the new scrambling grading system be published?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for
25: Conspiracies, Keeping Warm, High Winds & Calling Mountain Rescue
In the episode the guys flow through a range of topics; beginning with conspiracies before moving onto keeping warm in winter, mountain rescue callouts and how preparation matters most.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute pro
24: Solo vs Group Hiking: Are We Heading Out Alone Less?
In this episode the guys discuss whether or not the growth in group hikes has had an impact on solo hiking as well as debating the pro's and cons of each. Includes practical advice for those looking to both join a group hike and hike solo.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information a
23: Raising Mountain Kids With Tamsin & Oscar (Littles and the Lakes)
The guys welcome Tamsin and her son Oscar (who'd finished the Wainwrights by the age of 8) and talk about all things hiking with kids; navigation, motivation, wind, distance, leading by example, normalising women outside and much, much more.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information
22: Has Everest Become Too Easy? It's Not Even The Tallest Mountain?!
The guys discuss Everest and it's changing dynamic, who climbed it first and why it's not necessarily the tallest mountain on earth.Listener Q&A:How should I train if I have an imbalance in my legs?What do you all think of the Munros?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general informatio
21: Freya Hodson Part 2 - Hiking Influencers, Bad Publicity, Women's Hiking Fashion + More
20: Freya Hodson Part 2 - Hiking Influencers, Bad Publicity, Women's Hiking Fashion + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities
20: Hiking Boots vs Trainers: Are We Wearing the Wrong Shoes?
The guys debate what actually is the best footwear for the mountains and different conditions and Laurie talks about his interpretation of danger vs discomfort.Listener Q&A - How do you know items on Vinted aren't fake?The Lakeland Buzzard delivers his first fact.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended
19: The Day the Mountains Became a Courtroom
The guys discuss the potential ramifications of a hikers recent conviction and speculate on the future.Listener Q&A:How can I protect my achilles from high volume hiking?Who would survive the longest on a desert island?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment pur
18: With Dan G (Part 2) - Does Working in the Mountains Spoil The Enjoyment? Our First Community Hike & Giveaway + Much More!
18: With Dan G (Part 2) - Does Working in the Mountains Spoil The Enjoyment? Our First Community Hike & Giveaway + Much More!Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, moun
17: With Dan Gawthorpe - Hiking vs Climbing, The Perfect Tinder Match, The Cuillin Ridge + More
17: Dan Gawthorpe - Hiking vs Climbing, The Perfect Tinder Match, The Cuillin Ridge + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities invo
16: Freya Hodson Part 1 - Hiking With a Cat, Women's Safety, Instagram Trolls + More
16: Freya Hodson Part 1 - Hiking With a Cat, Women's Safety, Instagram Trolls, + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities invol
15: Alex Staniforth on Overcoming Anything, Resilience + More
15: Alex Staniforth on Overcoming Anything, Resilience + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inherent risks. Condition
14: When & How to Step In: Helping Strangers in the Mountains
Paul discusses his recent resilience building hike courtesy of a tip from The Hiking Coach and the guys discuss a recent hiker-hiker rescue on Striding Edge while debating when and how to help those who may or may not be in need in the mountains.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general informatio
13: Buying a Mountain, T-shirt Giveaway, Paul's World Cup Win, Keswick Mountain Festival + More
13: Buying a Mountain, T-shirt Giveaway, Paul's World Cup Win, Keswick Mountain Festival + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activi
12: Mountain Rescue Betrayed, Should You Hike When There's a Weather Warning? What's The Solution To Path Erosion? + More
12: Mountain Rescue Betrayed, Should You Hike When There's a Weather Warning? What's The Solution To Path Erosion? + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, moun
11: Alex Honnold's Latest Stunt, Surviving on Only Guinness, Our New Studio + More
11: Alex Honnold's Latest Stunt, Surviving on Only Guinness, Our New Studio + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve
10: Why The Grading System Sucks, Hiking as You Get Older, Steroids for Everyone + More
10: Why The Grading System Sucks, Hiking as You Get Older, Steroids for Everyone + MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve
9: Is It Possible To Overpack? Our Dream Adventures, Saying Hello In The Mountains + More!
9: Is It Possible To Overpack? Our Dream Adventures, Saying Hello In The Mountains + More!Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities invo
8: No Such Thing as a Stupid Question, Aggressive Dogs & Grading Scrambles
8: No Such Thing as a Stupid Question, Aggressive Dogs & Grading ScramblesEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inherent
7: Why The StairMaster Sucks, Top Training Tips for Beginners, Paul's OCD & More
Why The StairMaster Sucks, Top Training Tips for Beginners, Cold Water Exposure, Tom's legs, Paul's OCD & More.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountainee
6: Should You Be Hiking If You're Scared of Heights? Find A Good Mountain Leader, Paul's Journey
Should You Be Hiking If You're Scared of Heights? How To Find A Good Mountain Leader, Paul's Journey & MoreEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering
5: Who Wants a Cupcake? Meeting New People, Wainwrights Ashes, Hidden Gems, Mountain Leaders & More
00:15 Meeting new people06:30 Wainwrights ashes10:30 Hidden gems and hypocrites14:30 Stone circles and the Peak District Viking17:00 Right to roam 21:20 Tourist tax and honeypots26:30 Erosion34:30 Hardknott pass in the ice36:00 Night navigation and old school mountain leaders40:30 Hiking is cool now45:30 Trekking with Tom & The Geordie HikersEpisode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed i
4: The Unfollowing Rat, Giving It Big En's When You Ain't Got Shit + The ONE Piece of Gear We Won't Hike Without
01:15 Rain for days02:15 Paul's love of Coldplay03:20 Getting Oasis tickets08:20 Which Oasis brother are we getting on the podcast?09:30 Unfollowing Rat12: 40 April Fool's16:00 Losing a filling on Catbells, glass eye's and hand attachments21:00 Bee stings on windy days22:30 Giving it big en's when you ain't got sh*t29:45 You can't wave your life away32:15 Listener Q&A:
3: Everybody Poops, How Much Water Do You Really Need on a Hike & How To Train For The Downhilll
Everybody Poops; The guys relive some of their most embarrassing mountain moments.Listener Q&A; How can I judge how much water I should take on a hike, and how do I plan refill points?Listener Q&A; I'm great uphill but terrible on descents, my quads just give up. What should I focus on in training to fix this?Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based
2: What To Do When You're Caught in Fog + Our Top 5 Hiking Gear Essentials (What We Actually Use)
Listener Q&A; I've been caught in fog before and panicked, how do you navigate safely in low visibility?Our Top 5 Hiking Gear Essentials (What We Actually Use)Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal,
1: Welcome To The Hiking Podcast - Intro Episode
The guys introduce themselves and the show.Episode DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on personal experience and discussion and are intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or safety advice.Hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities involve inherent risks. Conditions, terrain, fitnes
