What are the best trekking poles under £50 for occasional walks?

If you're an occasional walker—someone who enjoys a few countryside rambles, park strolls, or gentle hill climbs each month—you don't need to spend £100+ on premium poles. The good news is that there are several reliable options under £50 that offer adequate support, comfort, and durability for light to moderate use. Here's a breakdown of the best choices available in the UK, what to look for, and what to avoid.

The top picks under £50

1. Decathlon Forclaz MT100 – Approximately £25This is the budget leader in Decathlon's range. It features lightweight 6061 aluminium shafts, twist-lock adjustment, and comfortable foam grips. The poles weigh around 240 g each and collapse to a compact 65 cm. They are perfectly adequate for flat or gently undulating trails, such as the South Downs or canal towpaths. The twist locks are reliable when properly tightened, though they may slip in very wet or muddy conditions. Tips are non-replaceable, so once worn, the poles are effectively done—but for occasional use, they will last several years.
2. Mountain Warehouse Trekking Poles – Usually £30–£40 (often on sale for £25)Mountain Warehouse offers a range of budget poles, typically with aluminium shafts, cork or foam grips, and lever locks (a step up from twist locks). They are slightly heavier (around 280 g per pole) but more robust than the MT100. The lever locks hold better in damp conditions. Look for models with a "quick-lock" system—some versions have replaceable tips, which is a bonus. They are a solid choice for moderate hillwalking in the Lake District or Peak District.
3. Eurohike Trekking Poles – From £20 at Go OutdoorsEurohike is Go Outdoors' own budget brand. Their basic poles are very cheap (under £25) and feature twist locks and foam grips. They are the lightest of the bunch but also the flimsiest—fine for flat, well-maintained paths but not for rocky or steep terrain. They lack replaceable tips and use lower-grade aluminium. However, for a handful of walks per year, they offer good value.
4. Highlander Trekking Poles – Around £35–£45Highlander, a Scottish brand, produces durable budget poles with 7075 aluminium (stronger than 6061) and lever locks. Some models include cork grips and replaceable carbide tips. They are often discounted on Amazon and at outdoor clearance sales. They offer the best durability-to-price ratio under £50 and can handle moderate rocky sections.

What to look for in sub-£50 poles

• Lever locks over twist locks: Lever locks are more secure and easier to adjust with one hand. If you can find a pair with lever locks within your budget, they are worth the extra few pounds.
• Aluminium construction: Avoid carbon at this price—it will be low-grade and fragile. 7075 aluminium is best, but 6061 is acceptable for light use.
• Replaceable tips: Only a few budget poles offer this. If you can find them, they significantly extend the pole's lifespan.
• Cork or foam grips: Cork is more comfortable in wet conditions, but foam is also fine. Avoid rubber grips—they become slippery when sweaty.
• Weight: Aim for under 300 g per pole. Anything heavier will feel cumbersome on a full day's walk.

Where to buy

• Decathlon UK – Forclaz MT100 and sometimes discounted MT900 under £50 during sales.
• Go Outdoors – Eurohike and occasionally Mountain Warehouse at reduced prices.
• Mountain Warehouse – Regular discounts and clearance sales online and in-store.
• Amazon UK – Filter by price and check reviews—Highlander and generic brands often appear under £40.
• SportPursuit – Flash sales can drop £70 poles to under £50, but stock is limited.

What to avoid

• Non-replaceable tips: Once worn, the pole is useless. At under £50, this is common, but it's worth checking.
• Twist locks on cheap poles: They are notorious for slipping in mud. If you can, choose lever locks.
• Extremely light poles (under 200 g): At this price point, they are usually fragile carbon or thin aluminium that will bend.
• No-name Chinese brands on Amazon with very few reviews: They often arrive with faulty locks or break on the first walk.

When to stretch your budget

If you can spend just £5–£10 more, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 (around £55) offers a massive upgrade: 7075 aluminium, lever locks, cork grips, and replaceable carbide tips. It is widely regarded as the best value pole on the UK market and will last many years, even with regular use. For occasional walkers, the extra £5–£10 is well worth it for peace of mind and future-proofing. However, if you truly walk only 2–3 times a year, the MT100 or Mountain Warehouse models will serve you fine.

Maintenance tips for budget poles

• After muddy walks, rinse poles with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
• Tighten twist locks periodically (they can loosen with use).
• Store poles collapsed in a dry place to prevent corrosion.
• For lever locks, apply a tiny drop of silicone spray to the cams to keep them smooth.

Final verdict

For occasional walks, the best trekking poles under £50 are:

• Decathlon Forclaz MT100 (£25) – best for flat, dry trails.
• Mountain Warehouse poles (£30–40) – best all-rounder with lever locks.
• Highlander poles (£35–45) – best for durability and rocky terrain.

If you can stretch to £55, the Forclaz MT900 is the ultimate budget-friendly upgrade and will save you money in the long run by lasting years. Otherwise, any of the above will serve you well for gentle UK walks. Remember: the best pole is the one that fits your hand, adjusts easily, and gives you confidence on the trail. Don't overthink it—under £50, you're getting basic but functional gear. Happy walking.