Why I love hiking

Exhaustion. Insects. Sore feet. Hills.

People hate many things about hiking, which I definitely understandable. It is very much a ‘Type 2’ sort of fun (fun afterwards; not in the moment). And while I agree with all of that, hiking is my favourite way to travel, and I will tell you 3 reasons why.

1. Beautiful views

Hiking gives you the opportunity to see the world in a different way; with stunning sights that are often inaccessible any other way. There is just no feeling that compares to reaching a summit after hours of climbing and struggling to the top. Or unzipping your tent at 6 am to see the most beautiful sunrise you have ever seen. There is something that makes the view even more amazing after intense physical effort, and gives you a sense of accomplishment and awe that makes it so much more rewarding. Even if you are halfway up a mountain and really regretting signing up for the hike, once you get to the top you will forget about that struggle and enjoy the view.

2. Being off grid

The thought of having no phone reception might be terrifying to some; being out in the middle of nowhere with no way to scroll Instagram or TikTok. While it may seem scary, I think it is such a valuable part of hiking and it is one of my personal favourite parts. The forced disconnection from the digital world allows you to truly appreciate your environment, and connect with the people around you in a way that is becoming more difficult in society today. I know I have had many conversations that I probably would not have if I had the constant access of the world at my fingertips; and I think that is what makes hiking so special and unlike anything else.

3. Boosted mood

I am not denying that sometimes hiking is not enjoyable. However, for some reason, it also makes you feel unexpectedly good. Exercising while being completely immersed in nature genuinely boosts your mood and gives you more energy than you would expect to have after a long day of trekking. Not only this, but a key benefit of hiking is reducing stress and anxiety through helping you focus on the present; providing a break from the constant overstimulation of social media and every day life.

What is something you love (or hate) about hiking? Leave a response in the comments!