8 best walking poles, tried and tested in the Cotswolds and Cumbrian fells

Swedish brand Silva specialises in walking poles, head torches and compasses. The brand’s carbon poles ticked all the boxes during testing. They’re lightweight – in fact, they were the lightest on test, weighing just 200g per pole. However, they’re still strong, and I felt very confident while using these on my hikes.

They are easy to hold thanks to breathable cork and foam grips, and I had no rubbing or blisters while using these poles. They have good, intuitive flick locks (like those on camera tripods) for adjusting the height on the go, and fold to 67cm when you’re not using them. This pair may be on the pricy side but the poles impressed during testing, and I think they’re worth investing in if you’re someone who uses walking poles for trekking year-round.

Walking poles needn’t cost a fortune. Sold individually, Vango’s camino poles mean you can grab a great pair of poles for just £40. Fairly light at 280g, the pole folds down to a respectable 67cm for easy transport or for tying onto your backpack.

In general, this functional pole performed well on test, punching above its price point, but I reckon it’s a bit flimsy for tougher treks – you probably won’t take this up Mont Blanc. For weekends on relatively easy hiking trails or your first walking holiday, however, it’s a bargain.

These carbon classics from trekking specialist Black Diamond strike the perfect balance between weight and durability. The flick locks are quick and easy to use, and the ergonomic grips are made from cork, but there’s also a rubberised extension below for added grip on steep terrain, so you get the best of both materials.

The padded wrist strap feels secure, and the poles come with two basket sets, including one for deep snow, plus interchangeable carbide and rubber tips. Overall, although this pair will set you back more than £100, these poles are great all-rounders for keen hikers.

If you like the idea of a pole that can take a little more weight, this could be the one for you. This size-adjustable walking pole is designed to add stability while walking on pretty much any surface. The ergonomic T-shaped handle means it’s easier to grip and lean on than many other poles I tested, but don’t be fooled by the colour – it looks like cork, but it’s rubber and plastic. There are twist locks rather than flick locks (we tend to find the latter more secure) for adjusting height, but they feel reasonably solid. This pole works well as an individual walking aid, but you can also double up for trekking.

A good choice for your first pair of trekking poles, these tick a lot of boxes at a relatively affordable price point – they’re made from lightweight but sturdy aluminium, are adjustable (with good flick locks) and come with snow baskets for winter mountain conditions. The cork handles are breathable and comfy, and a generous 140cm of height will suit taller trekkers. They also fold down to a respectable 67cm for easy storage.

Fancy buying your first pair of walking poles but not sure where to start? These fuss-free, sturdy poles excelled on countryside trails and hilly terrain. Comfortable rubber grips with a ribbed pattern are easy to grab and feel good to hold, even during all-day hikes.

Meanwhile, well-made flick locks make it quick and easy to fold up these poles on the go, and an acceptable weight of 305g per pole makes this pair a good choice for beginner hikers tackling their first mountain paths.

Some might scoff at hiking poles marketed for women, but shorter women may prefer a lightweight design tailored to their height and handspan rather than a unisex model.

Leki’s Cressida trekking poles are fully adjustable, while the carbon shaft feels rugged and stable on all terrains but without much added weight. Each pole is just 245g, so, this is a good choice for less-able hikers who don’t want to feel weighed down.

The clips are quick and easy to lock and unlock, enabling you to get the right length for you, while the breathable strap and comfortable cork grip (designed for smaller hands) keep palms cool even during hot weather. However, the big downside is the hefty price tag.

These are brightly-hued, fixed hiking and skiing poles designed and made by mountain guide Alain Desez in the foothills of Mont Blanc. These poles have a sturdy aluminium main body and a long, padded foam grip that enables the hiker to hold the pole at different heights.

Sounds like a simple idea, but when you’re hiking on rocky, mountainous ground, these poles let you adjust your grip on the fly, which saves time compared to fiddly adjustable options. The downside is you can’t store them in a backpack like you can with other options included in my lineup, so it might be hard to pack them for a walking holiday.