The truth of course is that hiking can involve both of these things but, with the correct guidance, techniques and equipment there's no reason at all why you shouldn't avoid the unpleasant aspect of hiking and enjoy its many positive aspects such as magnificent scenery, fresh air, healthy exercise and either soul-refreshing solitude or joyous companionship, whichever you choose.

Perhaps a good starting point is to understand just what hiking is not.

Even though you can hike up some mountains, hiking is not mountain climbing, which involves using special equipment and techniques and which is potentially dangerous, if not lethal.

For the hiker about the only real danger encountered is getting lost in the wilderness or accidentally suffering such things as a snake bite. However, both those fates can be easily avoided with a little bit of guidance and some common sense.

Hiking can also form just one part of an activity involving other pastimes such as caving, kayaking and fishing, although most of these are much more vigorous than hiking and require specialized guidance or training.

For hiking all you need to get started is a good pair of hiking boots, some appropriate outdoor clothing and access to an area which allows you to enjoy the experience.

Good hiking boots can be purchased from a range of suppliers, many with an online presence, and outdoor clothing in every price range and style is also readily available. Choosing the right pants, shirt, jacket and socks is quite easy as long as you keep in mind the area in which you will be hiking and the weather.

There is also a range of other items of equipment that can help to make your experience more enjoyable and such things as backpacks, maps, compasses, hiking poles, hand-held GPS navigation systems, first aid kits and bug spray can be picked up as you go along.

You'll also want to consider some common sense safety guidelines before you start hiking very far from your local trail-lined hills. Although the dangers of hiking are relatively minor, it is possible to get lost in even a very small patch of woodland and snakes and other wildlife can turn a hike into something you only see on Reality TV.

However, after a bit of basic instruction and having made a few preparations, you can quickly be ready to tackle some quite adventurous hikes. Indeed, with a little more expert guidance and some experience, you will soon be able to take on overnight or longer hikes and, within a matter of weeks, you will be able to tackle even the toughest trails.