We have all been there! Whether it’s multi-day hiking or a long trek there are occasions where the time starts to drag. I find myself becoming bored when I end up walking alongside a busy road and this is when I have to dig deep and count on my boredom busting tips!
Few hikers are able to walk for miles without becoming bored at some point. Many hikers will bring pre-downloaded music as well as a camera. Others will identify different species or play games. Even the simple act of walking mindfully can renew the enthusiasm for a hike.
How you entertain yourself on a long hike is entirely up to you and your preferences, not to mention space limit! Below I have a list of ideas to adopt as your own but also to inspire you to take your own interests and hobbies on the trail. Just because I find it fun doesn’t mean it will have you jumping for joy! Fingers crossed at least one does though.
To help fund this blog, this page may contain affiliate links. This is where I may earn a small commission from any sales as a result of clicking my links without any additional cost to you.
What To Do While Hiking
Not every second of every hike will be filled with magnificent views and thrilling adventure. Especially on long hikes there will be stretches of roads, canals or built up areas which seem to drag on for miles. These areas can make it feel like you’re going nowhere and lead to frustration and boredom.
However likely (or unlikely) you will be bored on your next trip we have you covered. From activities which require some equipment or planning to those you can adopt with no preparation at all. There is a solution for everyone. Never feel bored again… on a hike anyway!
1. Listen to Music, Podcasts or Audiobooks
Phones or iPods, however you listen download what you fancy and pop in some Bluetooth earphones. I suggest downloading a range of styles so you will have something to cater for every mood. You start with good intentions of learning about deep space but after four hours of torrential rain you will wish you downloaded some music to fuel your anger!
I say have a set downloaded purely because you do not know what the signal is going to be like throughout, and always remember a portable charger!
2. Set Yourself Challenges
This could be anything from fastest kilometre, highest elevation or counting steps. There are so many apps on phones or smartwatches that record movement even without you having to set anything up. This makes it super easy to record the competition with yourself and even share it with friends later.
You can even do virtual challenges such as through the conqueror where you can get medals once you have reached the distances based upon real trails. Throughout the challenge you can reach checkpoints where you can virtually explore a local highlight and collect postcards on route! The app is also compatible with a range of other tracking apps and devices.
If fitness is not motivating for you (you and me both!) then set yourself a different challenge. Learn a new plant, bird call or even cloud type. Maybe the area you are walking in is steeped in history and if there are information boards, make an effort to read them. Anything that suits your interests, turn it into a challenge to keep yourself entertained.
3. Play Games With Yourself
The classics such as ‘I spy’ may seem a little redundant when you’re hiking alone but with a little imagination you can create a whole range of games. On long car journeys I used to count the number of red kites I would see, and similar variations can be created depending on the route you have set.
Other games you could play could be the alphabet game, start at A and list words beginning with A and so on. If that’s too easy test yourself by adding additional rules! Of course, if you bump into some more hikers, get them involved too!
4. Spot Local Wildlife And Plants
Long hikes are perfect for seeing a whole range of interesting species. Sometimes it just takes a conscious effort to look around to see the tiny details. Listen to the bird calls, look for insects under logs (always return them gently!) or keep an eye out for animal tracks.
Witnessing wildlife, however small is hugely rewarding but step it up and try to learn a new species of two along the route. Depending on your personal identifying skills, start with a fairly common species. This way you can keep refreshing your memory along the route and can keep the skill long after the hike.
There are so many guide books and ID charts out there ranging from grasses through to mammals. I personally find identifying butterfly species particularly rewarding (and fairly simple for insects which can be a nightmare!)
5. Bring Binoculars
Leading on from wildlife watching, bringing a set of binoculars can help. Many things look very similar at a distance, and once at a closer look can transform the whole dynamic. Not to mention when you watch birds more closely their behaviour can be so interesting and you will see even the overlooked birds in a new light. You can grab yourself some small pocket binoculars (Amazon) or some fancy ones if you really get into it!
6. Bring A Camera
Almost everyone will have a camera on their phone, and many will carry a digital one too. It doesn’t matter if you have a full DSLR set up and want to camp out for hours at dawn to get the right shot or snap a few photos en route. A camera can create lasting memories and I find makes me more aware of my surroundings.
Again here you can use this to help with other goals. Take a photo of a plant to identify later, or set yourself artistic challenges and play with light, textures or colours.
Another fun thing to do is record yourself. Talking into the camera can help you feel like you are less alone on a trail and definitely will take your mind off any boredom that has crept in. Pop your phone on a selfie stick or attach a camera to a walking pole if you don’t have a tripod and record as you walk.
It will be a good laugh when you get home…maybe you will even show your friends and family!
7. Play An Instrument
All this requires you to be interested in music (having talent is optional!). Pack a ukulele, harmonica or any small instrument that takes your fancy and create music en route. Bonus points if you can walk and play!
8. Sing
The hills are alive with the sound of music…or you. Enjoy singing, humming or whistling the tunes that are stuck in your head.
If you’re not blessed with an angelic voice maybe learn a few sea shanty type songs! There natural rhythm is made to keep people working so putting one foot in front of the other will feel like less of a chore.
9. Create A Check List Or Bingo Sheet
Choose a topic, or several topics and create a list of what you have seen. It can be different birds, number of sheep (bonus points if you know the breeds!) to even number of dry stone walls you have crossed. Jot it down in a note pad or on your phone and keep a tally.
Alternatively, have a little think about what you expect to see and create a bingo sheet! Maybe set yourself a little prize if you get bingo and that should keep you motivated not to turn back.
| Canada Goose | Oak Tree | Dry Stone Wall |
| Sea Gull | Stile | Daisy |
| Stream | Conker | Lake |
10. Mindful Walking
I admit this can take practice, but there is plenty of time on a long hike by yourself! You can either give it a go by yourself and see what works or listen to a guided session and take inspiration from there.
I like to let my mind go whilst on a walk and bring my attention to the warmth of the sun on my face to the sound of the wind through the trees. You can feel your heart beating, the rise and fall of your chest and the sound of your footsteps.
Listen a bit more and birds add to the mix, and you feel the pressure through your feet. Give it a go and see what works for you.
11. Bring A Small Ball
A tennis ball can bring hours of entertainment through playing catch with yourself, practice kick-ups or any other game you can create on route. Try bouncing it off rocks and catching it or pick a target and see if you can hit it. Just make sure you leave no trace aka keep an eye on your ball and do not disturb people or wildlife.
12. Have A Debate With Yourself
I am guilty of this one even when I have no real knowledge of the topic. A random question will pop into my head and I try and work through it from the positives, negatives to how would that work? Let your mind dive into the rabbit hole (so long as it is not upsetting you!)
13. Daydream
Daydreaming passes the time at work (sorry employers!) and will do the same out and about. The new house, the dream job, the luxury holiday, whatever it is you like to dream about let your mind wonder and live in that happy bubble!
14. Have A Break
Everything can get boring if you’re stuck doing it hours on end. Find a nice place to stop, rest those legs and perhaps engage in another activity. Draw, paint, journal, go for a swim or simply have lunch will all break up the monotony of hiking.
15. Eat Food
Don’t be like me and make the same rookie mistake of not trying your snacks before you get on the trail. I buy breakfast bars thinking they look nice then finally try one on the trail and end up carrying them home again. Bring food you like and you will find it a lot more enjoyable.
16. Go Foraging
This is a wonderful way of viewing nature in a new light. While your along the hike keep an eye out for edible plants. These can add a real boost to your snacks and lunches and keep you entertained throughout. Season dependant, keep an eye out for blackberries or wild garlic. Even nettles are edible if you watch the sting.
Whatever you forage make sure you legally are allowed to do so in that area, that you leave enough for wildlife and you are completely certain on what you are eating. Some species can make you extremely ill and can look very similar especially fungi.
17. Lie To Yourself
If all else fails then just lie to yourself. Many of the occasions where it feels horrific at the time, end up being the most laughed at moments once you’re back home so tell yourself your having fun!
On your third hour slugging through mud in torrential rain…na you are definitely warm, dry and surrounded by beautiful mountains… Sometimes the whole situation can be so ridiculous if you didn’t laugh you would cry. So choose laugher and believe me I have been there!
There we have it, loads of ideas to entertain yourself while on a long hike. All the ideas above are achievable for walking alone but can also be adapted if you end up walking with friends or meet others on the hike.
There really is no limit to what you can use to entertain yourself so be creative and be inspired and make every long hike filled with entertainment. I have a separate blog post just for what to bring backpacking if you want more inspiration. Click here!
What To Do On A Hike While It Is Raining?
When the heavens open, many entertainment options may feel impossible. You won’t want to sit down for hours with paper based options nor will you want to expose your electronics.
Music is still an option if you keep your phone in a waterproof bag or phone and have waterproof earphones. If you can use your phone in a waterproof case you can jump around your playlist but if that is not possible using your body as a shelter as much as possible pop on something you know you can listen to for a while.
Check that the sound is suitable before popping it away again as the wind and rain on your hood can be deafeningly loud.
With your phone safely waterproofed, all your challenges can still be completed. Even if you are not checking regularly you know it will be being recorded and can set yourself for a nice surprise once you get back into shelter!
Any games that do not require a set up can be played too. You can still play the alphabet game, or maybe count the number of puddles you have stepped in. Of course, if the rain is not accompanied by fog, you may still have some good visibility for watching wildlife.
Mindful walking when you’re cold and feeling your wet feet squelch with every step may not be as beneficial but daydreaming is a must! Imagine holding a nice hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, or walking along sun kissed sands in a far away land. Anything that is not you, soaked through on the moors barely being able to see your hand in front of your face will work!
Sometimes the best thing to do is find a more sheltered spot and take a breather for a moment. You may not be able to get away from the rain but crouching down behind a dry stone wall can bring some respite from wind. Grab a snack or eat your lunch before braving the weather again in a new light.
If the weather for your hike is bad consider changing your route to be shorter, or along less exposed areas. This will make your hike a lot more enjoyable and may be essential for your safety.
Conclusion
Hiking is such a versatile sport that so many activities can be done alongside to add to the pleasure. I hope I provided some inspiration and you will have many enjoyable walks from now on. Whether, it’s accepting your internal dialogue or bringing your hobbies along I hope you go away with lots of new ideas to try. Happy Hiking!
