Hiking

What to expect

Hiking’s versatile: you can change it up to suit your group. It doesn’t have to involve mountains or treacherous terrain. You could take to the pavements of your local area, countryside footpaths, or forest tracks.

It’s also up to you what you do on the way. The beauty of hikes is that there’s no rush – it’s not all about the end destination, it’s about the journey you take to get there too. Some people like to get stuck in to being mindful of the world around them, while others add extra challenges or activities. You could visit a local landmark (or two), learn how to navigate, or hide treasure for another team to find.

No two hikes are the same. Sometimes you’ll get lost, sometimes the weather might catch you out, and sometimes you’ll feel tired – the important thing is that you stick it out. You’ll learn a lot about yourself along the way.

Fun facts

Grandma Gatewood (also known as Emma Rowena Gatewood) was inspired by an article in National Geographic to become the first woman to solo-hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. She did it in 1955, when she was 67 years old. She then became the first person to conquer it more than once!

Handy hints

• Wear your boots in before you set off. Wear new hiking boots plenty of times before you head off on a hike. If you wear boots straight off the shelf, they’re likely to be too stiff and rub your feet and ankles. No one wants blisters.
• Don’t rely on apps. It’s great to try out some of the phone apps designed to help you make the most of your outdoor experience. Never put yourself in a situation where you rely on apps, though – even the best technology lets people down sometimes. Always take a physical map and a compass (and make sure you know how to use them).