Thinking of hitting the trails? We've got passionate trail runner Sarah Stirling with her five top tips seasoned runners wish they knew before starting, to give you that head start.

Buy the right shoes

One of the joys of trail running is that it's a very simple and portable sport. While there is plenty of trail running clobber for the gear geek to salivate over (and which marks you out as a ‘trail runner’) all you really need is the right pair of trainers and any old comfy clothing. It is well worth investing the time and money in going to a proper running shop and getting them to fit you out with the right shoes for you.

Try and jog about a bit off-road first in whatever trainers you have handy (but not too far, or you may injure yourself in the wrong footwear, especially if you're not used to running) and think about these things: do you tend to land on your heel, mid or forefoot? Do your knees turn in a bit or outwards? Do you prefer running on muddy, grassy terrain, or following hardpack trails? Don't get sucked into buying any other expensive kit until you know whether you like trail running or not.

Don’t expect to love it straight away

It might sound obvious, but if you're not used to it don’t expect to enjoy running straight away. Go for a walk somewhere beautiful in your trail running shoes and break into the occasional steady-paced jog on the flat bits. Walk when you want; it’s supposed to be fun. As running naturally becomes easier you'll likely start to enjoy it more.

Like all sports, trail running suits certain body types and personality types better than others, and it may simply be that trail running isn’t for you. But don’t buy some expensive trail shoes, force yourself to sprint till you nearly pass out, and then complain of the misery or pain you experienced! Build up distance and pace slowly.

The current trend is ultrarunning – covering huge distances at a slow to moderate pace (depending on how good you are) – but remember that different distances and paces suit different people, too.

Set a goal

If you're of the competitive type, don't get obsessed with beating your PB on Strava segments: this is bound to end in either injury or hitting a demoralising plateau that you can't beat! However, if you’re the sort of person who is motivated by goals then book onto a race to help encourage yourself to train; Google turns up plenty of them around the country every weekend. If you're worried about being left in the dust, remember that people of all abilities enter these races and, at least to begin with, it's more about beating your own time, so don't worry about it.

It's very easy to enter races online, especially after a glass of wine or two: be warned. There are always comprehensive instructions on the race websites about what to bring, wear and do on the day. You could start with a reasonably flat 5km and work up. Have you heard of Park Run? There are free 5kms held every Saturday morning in parks around the country. It would be a great way to meet other runners in your area, too.

WATCH: Find your trail on BMC TV

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Join a club

Equally, though, running can be very sociable, and quite a different experience with friends in tow. Sometimes you'll tear along in companiable silence on singletrack; other times you'll find the pace of trotting side by side encourages heart-to-hearts.

If you have buddies who are into it already, please don’t worry about being ‘too slow’, which I’ve often heard from friends who are getting into the sport. If I want to run at my own pace, I go on my own. If I'm going on a sociable run, I’m happy to go at any pace. 

If you don’t have any trail running friends, don’t be shy about joining a club. They will be used to beginners joining. Everyone remembers being new to the sport themselves, and there will definitely be others there who are on your level or enjoy a casual slow run and meeting new people.

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