Why hike?

Search the popular #whyihike hashtag on Instagram, and you’ll find all the inspiration you need – but what are the other benefits of hiking? According to Bella Somerset – a champion of the wellbeing benefits of hiking, and a mine of practical tips – the benefits of hiking for mental health are on par with the physical.

“As well as the cardiovascular benefits and the full-body workout of the physical challenge of hiking, trekking in beautiful scenery fosters connection and camaraderie, and makes for lasting friendships,” she explains. “The endorphins of hiking lift the mood and offers an effortless sense of awe and wonder. Personally, it helps me to calm my mind and gain perspective on life, which is why I started to take my clients hiking.”

“Instagram has exposed the beauty of hiking trails and sparked people’s wanderlust for adventure – and, ironically, their desire for a digital detox,” she adds. “Hiking in nature strips your life back-to-basics, as you carry what you need – and you leave your worries behind. The idea of transformational travel and transformational experiences is on the rise in the travel and wellbeing industry – it’s about having fun, but also returning with the means to make a positive change back home.”