Ready, Steady, Hike | Four elements

Ready, Steady, Hike - A Women-Only Hiking Series

READY, STEADY, HIKE! An Introduction to Hiking in the Bavarian Alps – A Women-Only Hiking Series

Step into the mountains with confidence! Whether you're new to hiking or looking to improve your skills, this three-part course is designed to help you feel strong, prepared, and capable on the trails. We focus on physical preparation, technique, and tour planning, so you can enjoy hiking safely and comfortably.

Each session builds on the last, guiding you from getting ready to hitting the trails with confidence. Join a supportive group of women and get set for mountain adventures!

The Course: Three Blocks to Confidence

1. GET READY (Physical Preparation & Equipment)

Before you hit the trails, build a strong foundation! This session covers:

Strength & flexibility exercises for hiking
The right footwear, clothing & backpack essentials
Hydration, nutrition & energy management

2. GET STEADY (Balance & Technique)

Master essential skills to move efficiently on different terrains:

Uphill & downhill techniques to reduce strain
Balancing on rocky, uneven, or steep paths
Using poles effectively for stability

3. GO HIKE! (Tour Planning & Safety)

Put your skills into action with smart planning and risk management:

Reading maps & planning routes
Understanding weather, risk factors & emergency strategies
Navigating trails with confidence

Upcoming Women-Only Sessions

Mittenwald – Saturday, 12.04.2025
Farchant – Sunday, 04.05.2025
Kochel am See – Sunday, 25.05.2025

Each session takes place in a stunning alpine setting, with plenty of hands-on practice.

Who is this for?

Women who are new to hiking or want to improve their confidence
Those looking to build strength, technique & outdoor skills
Anyone wanting to enjoy the mountains in a supportive, women-only group

Activity level

The Ready, Steady, Hike series is easy-medium level trails- building up fitness and technique as we go. The hikes are suitable for all people with a basic fitness level, taking their first mountain tours. You should be able to walk for 3-4 hours. You walk regularly at home without elevation. Occasional other aerobic fitness e.g. running, swimming, cycling, tennis etc.

Hike 1: Mittenwald

An Introduction to Hiking in the Bavarian Alps - Get Ready! Mittenwald

Date: Saturday 12.04.2025

GET READY (Physical Preparation & Equipment) Our first tour takes us through the trails above the picturesque Bavarian town on Mittenwald. Along the route we talk about gear, mountain safety and well-being on tour, as well as the basics of identifying suitable hiking routes.

Distance: approx. 13 km

Ascent: 500 m

Walking time: 4 hrs

Activity level description:

Easy walking along wide and easy trails. Hiking boots/ shoes recommended. Gear will be discussed along this first hike, so bring what you have for this hike and invest after if needed- once you have the knowledge!

Meeting point: 10:00am Mittenwald train station

Hike 2: Farchant

An Introduction to Hiking in the Bavarian Alps - Get Steady! Farchant

Date: Sunday 04.05.2025

GET STEADY (Balance & Technique) Our second tour takes us through the woody trails above Farchant. This varied route gives us a chance to get a feel for different terrain, improving our footing on narrower, rougher sections and building confidence on more exposed routes. Along the way we study the landscape alongside the map, getting to grips with the basics of map-reading.

Distance: approx. 9 km

Ascent: 700 m

Walking time: 5 hrs

Activity level description:

An easy- medium difficulty level tour. The trail is well- trodden with some narrower, steeper parts and short exposed sections. It is a technically easy tour and suitable for anyone new to hiking with good footwear (hiking boots with solid sole and good ankle support).

Meeting point: 9:30am Farchant train station

Hike 3: Kochel am See

An Introduction to Hiking in the Bavarian Alps- Go Hike! Kochel am See

Date: Sunday 25.05.2025

GO HIKE! (Tour Planning & Safety) Our final tour takes us between the two stunning Bavarian lakes of the Kochelsee and Walchensee up to the peak Herzogstand. The wide panoramas and surrounding peaks lend themselves to practising some navigational wizardry and deepening our understanding of map work. Along today’s hike we will also take a look into risk factors, weather and planning for safe and enjoyable tours.

Distance: approx. 12 km

Ascent: 900 m

Walking time: 6 hrs

Activity level description:

An easy - medium difficulty level tour. The trail is well - trodden with some narrower, steeper parts and short exposed sections. It is a technically easy tour and suitable for anyone new to hiking with good footwear (hiking boots with solid sole and good ankle support).

Meeting point: 9:15am Kochel train station

Who’s leading this course? Meet Ceri Temple!

As an International Mountain Leader, Wilderness Instructor, and outdoor expert

Ceri brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the mountains. She is dedicated to helping women build confidence, skills, and a strong connection with nature.

This women-only hiking series is particularly special—it’s a program she has carefully crafted to empower women on the trails. Ceri can’t wait to share her knowledge, guide you through stunning landscapes, and support you every step of the way on your hiking journey.

What equipment will I need?

Upon booking we will send you a list of equipment that you will need for the first day hike. This will include:

Small day pack
Hiking boots if you have them. Alternatively shoes/ boots suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Waterproof/rain jacket with hood
Water and snacks
Hat & gloves
Cash for lunch

During this hike we will discuss outdoor gear, so you will know where and how to best invest! Therefore for the first hike, bring what you have and shop after!

What equipment will I need?

Upon booking we will send you a list of equipment that you will need for the first day hike. This will include:

Small day pack
Hiking boots if you have them. Alternatively shoes/ boots suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Waterproof/rain jacket with hood
Water and snacks
Hat & gloves
Cash for lunch

During this hike we will discuss outdoor gear, so you will know where and how to best invest! Therefore for the first hike, bring what you have and shop after!

Getting to the hikes

All hikes are accessible by direct train line from Munich Hauptbahnhof. We will set up a whatsapp group for the group the week before the course start so that you can coordinate travel together. You can either travel using the Deutschland ticket or purchase a group ticket such as the Werdenfels or Bayern ticket.

Includes: