What is the best value trekking pole set for beginners in England?
If you are new to hiking and want to try trekking poles without spending a fortune, you need a pair that is safe, reliable, and easy to use – but won’t break the bank. For beginners in England – tackling the rolling South Downs, the gentle hills of the Peak District, or the muddy paths of the New Forest – the best value set is the Decathlon Forclaz MT500. At around £35, it offers features usually found on poles twice the price. This article explains why it’s the top choice and what to look for when buying your first poles.
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Why the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 is best for beginners
1. Flick‑locks, not twist‑locks
Many budget poles use twist‑locks, which are frustrating for beginners – they slip, require constant re‑tightening, and are hard to operate with muddy or sweaty hands. The MT500 uses external flick‑locks (cam levers). You simply open the lever, slide to your desired length, and close it. A firm click confirms it’s locked. This is intuitive and secure.
2. Durable 7075 aluminium shaft
The poles are made from 7075‑T6 aluminium – the same alloy used in much more expensive poles. It’s strong, lightweight (approx. 260g per pole), and resistant to bending. For a beginner who might occasionally jam a pole between rocks or drop it, aluminium is forgiving. Carbon poles at this price would be dangerously brittle.
3. Comfortable cork/foam hybrid grip
The grip is a cork‑foam blend. Cork wicks away sweat, remains grippy in wet English weather, and moulds to your hand over time. Foam adds cushioning. The grip shape is ergonomic and includes a small extension for choking down on steep sections – a feature beginners might not use immediately but will appreciate as they progress.
4. Replaceable carbide tip
The tip is made of tungsten carbide – hard enough to bite into dirt, grass, and rock. When it wears down (after many miles), you can buy replacement tips from Decathlon for a few pounds. Non‑replaceable tips are common on super‑cheap poles; once they round off, the poles become dangerous. This is a key value feature.
5. Ready for English conditions
The MT500 comes with small trekking baskets (to prevent sinking into mud). For winter or snow, you can buy larger powder baskets separately. The poles adjust from 100‑135 cm, fitting most hikers between 155‑185 cm tall. The flick‑locks work well in wet, muddy conditions – just rinse them after a sloppy hike.
How does it compare to other budget options?
| Model | Price | Lock | Grip | Tip replaceable? | Value rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decathlon Forclaz MT500 | ~£35 | Flick‑lock | Cork/foam | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TrailBuddy (amazon) | ~£30 | Twist‑lock | Foam | Some models no | ⭐⭐ |
| Mountain Warehouse (own brand) | ~£25 | Twist‑lock | Rubber | No | ⭐ |
| Leki Khumbu Lite | ~£55 | Flick‑lock | Foam | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (great, but pricier) |
The MT500 beats all twist‑lock budget poles and is nearly as good as poles costing £20 more. For a beginner, the extra £20 could buy good walking socks or a map – better spent elsewhere.
Where to buy and what else you need
- Decathlon: Available online and in stores across England (e.g., London, Manchester, Birmingham). They often have them in stock for you to test the grip.
- Accessories: The poles come with rubber tip covers for pavement walking. Use them when walking from the car park to the trailhead to save the carbide tips. No other accessories are essential for starting out.
A note on technique for beginners
- Height adjustment: Stand upright with the tip on the ground. Your elbow should be bent at 90°. Mark this length on your poles. Shorten by 5‑10 cm for uphill, lengthen by the same for downhill.
- Wrist straps: Insert your hand from below the strap, then grip the handle. The strap should cross the back of your wrist. This lets you relax your grip – the strap carries the load.
- Two poles always: Use both poles for balance and joint protection. One pole can create asymmetry.
Final verdict
For beginners in England, the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 offers unbeatable value. It gives you flick‑locks, a durable aluminium shaft, a comfortable cork grip, and replaceable tips – all for about £35. It will handle the mud of the South West Coast Path, the gentle climbs of the Malvern Hills, and the bogs of the Peak District. Avoid cheap twist‑lock poles; they will only frustrate you and may fail when you need them. Start with the MT500, learn good technique, and upgrade only if you later decide to tackle more extreme terrain. Happy hiking!
