Where can I buy affordable trekking poles in the UK?
You don’t need to spend £150 to get a reliable pair of trekking poles. Whether you’re a beginner tackling the Brecon Beacons or a seasoned hillwalker looking for a budget backup, the UK offers plenty of options for high‑quality, affordable poles – you just need to know where to look. This guide covers every channel, from high‑street bargains to online flash sales and second‑hand gems, plus insider tips to stretch your pound further.
1. High‑street giants – quality on a budget
Decathlon – the undisputed king of value
Decathlon’s own‑brand Quechua and Forclaz poles start at just £19.99. For £30‑40, you can get aluminium telescopic poles with lever locks and cork grips – features that rival premium brands. The MT500 model (~£45) is a favourite among UK walkers for its durability and comfortable grip. Decathlon stores are widespread, and their online delivery is fast. The best part? They offer a 2‑year warranty, so you buy with confidence.
Mountain Warehouse – frequent sales
Mountain Warehouse often runs “2 for 1” or “up to 50% off” promotions. Their own Trail and Cairn poles are usually priced between £25 and £50. They use 6061 aluminium and twist‑locks – not as rugged as lever‑locks, but perfectly adequate for gentle terrain. Sign up for their newsletter to get early access to flash sales.
Go Outdoors – price match and clearance
Go Outdoors is a haven for bargain hunters. They stock budget lines like Eurohike (from £20) and mid‑range brands like Blacks and Vango. Their “Price Match +10%” policy means you can often get a deal. More importantly, check their clearance racks – end‑of‑season models can be 60% off. A pair of Vango aluminium poles for £25 is common. You’ll need a £5 membership card, but it pays for itself on the first purchase.
2. Online marketplaces – endless choice
Amazon UK – variety at every price
Amazon has hundreds of trekking pole listings, from no‑name imports for £15 to branded ones at discount. Two standouts in the affordable range:
- Trekology York – 7075 aluminium, cork grips, lever locks, weighing 220g – often ~£35. Over 2,000 positive reviews.
- Cascade Mountain Tech – carbon fibre poles at £45 – a great lightweight option if you’re careful with rocky terrain.
Pro tip: Filter by “4 stars and above” and read recent reviews – some cheap poles have locking issues. Amazon’s free returns make it a low‑risk test.
eBay – new and used bargains
eBay is perfect for both brand‑new older models and lightly used poles. Search for “trekking poles UK” and filter by “Buy It Now” or auctions. Many sellers are outdoor retailers clearing surplus – you can snap a pair of LEKI or Black Diamond for under £60. Also, look for “open box” or “display model” listings – they’re often as good as new.
SportPursuit – members‑only flash sales
SportPursuit offers up to 70% off premium outdoor brands, but you need a free account. They run periodic sales on Komperdell, LEKI, and Pacerpoles. The catch: you have to wait for the sale to end and for delivery (often 1‑2 weeks), but the savings are worth it. For example, a £120 pair of LEKI poles can drop to £65.
Cotswold Outdoor Outlet – premium at discount
Cotswold’s main store is pricey, but their online outlet section frequently has last‑season poles at 40‑50% off. You’ll find trusted brands like Black Diamond and MSR at prices closer to mid‑range. Check regularly – stock changes weekly.
3. Second‑hand and community platforms – cheap and sustainable
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace
Many walkers upgrade their gear yearly and sell perfectly good poles for a fraction of the price. Search locally – you might find a pair of Black Diamond Trail poles for £30. Always ask for clear photos of the locking mechanisms and tips; meet in person if possible to inspect for cracks or worn grips.
Outdoor Gear Exchange UK (Facebook group)
This dedicated group has thousands of members buying and selling used gear. It’s more trustworthy than general marketplaces because sellers are often experienced walkers. Post a “wanted” ad – someone may offer you a spare pair at a friendly price.
Vinted and Depop
Not just for clothes – these platforms now have outdoor sections. You’d be surprised how many unused poles are sold for £10‑20 because the owner bought the wrong size. Good for ultra‑budget options.
4. Seasonal discounts and money‑saving hacks
- End‑of‑summer sales (August‑September) and January clearances are prime times – retailers want to shift stock before new models arrive.
- Student and NHS discounts – many shops (Cotswold, Go Outdoors) offer 10‑15% off with a valid ID. Combine with sale prices for extra savings.
- Newsletter sign‑ups – Decathlon and Mountain Warehouse often give a 10% welcome code.
- Cashback sites – use TopCashback or Quidco when buying online – you can get 2‑5% back.
- Bundle deals – sometimes buying a pair with a hydration pack or gaiters can lower the per‑item cost.
5. What to look for in a budget pole – don’t sacrifice these
Affordable doesn’t mean flimsy. When shopping under £50, prioritise:
- Aluminium over carbon – cheap carbon snaps easily; aluminium bends and survives.
- Lever‑locks over twist‑locks – they’re more reliable in mud and wet conditions.
- Replacement tips – ensure the pole has standard carbide tips that you can swap (universal tip kits cost £5‑10).
- Weight – aim for 240‑280g per pole – anything heavier will tire your arms.
- At least 20cm of adjustment range – so you can shorten for uphills and lengthen for downhills.
Brands like Trekology, Eurohike, Vango, and Decathlon’s own consistently deliver good value. Avoid unbranded £15 poles with plastic locks – they’re a false economy.
6. The hidden cost of “too cheap” – and how to avoid it
A pair of £12 poles might seem tempting, but they often use soft aluminium, weak springs, and poorly moulded grips. They can fail mid‑walk, leaving you stranded. Instead, spend £30‑40 on a proven budget model – that’s the sweet spot where durability and cost balance. Read reviews on UK hillwalking forums (like WalkHighlands or UKClimbing) for real‑world feedback.
Final summary – your action plan
- Start online – browse Decathlon and Amazon for baseline prices.
- Check flash sales – set alerts on SportPursuit and Cotswold Outlet.
- Explore second‑hand – search Gumtree and the Outdoor Gear Exchange group.
- Wait for a sale – if you can, time your purchase for seasonal clearances.
- Never skip quality – look for lever locks, aluminium shafts, and cork grips even at low prices.
With these resources, you can easily find a reliable pair for £25‑45 – leaving more of your budget for the bothy beer and the train fare to the Highlands. Happy bargain hunting, and may your knees thank you.
