As someone that's completed her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, I've had my fair share of hiking and camping experience. I was arguably too young to appreciate the beauty of where I was during these expeditions - also distracted by the sheer mental fatigue from carrying a 3 stone rucksack, and being on my feet hiking for 8+ hours, for several consecutive days. But as I've gotten older, I've come to find that hiking is one of my favourite activities, and one I don't nearly do enough.
I currently live in Manchester, with the peaks to my side and the Lakes above me. I'm lucky. To have two world class areas of natural beauty so near is a blessing. But being in the city, it's not quite at my doorstep, and the opportunities to get out and hike are less frequent than I'd like, but precious when it does happen.
Most recently, my boyfriend and I completed the Kinder Scout trail. Having set our hearts on a days hiking, we awoke early on the day, ready to go. With it only being an 45 minute drive, the excitement was still fresh as we parked our car and strapped on our boots. The weather was due to be hot. Hot hot. But we came prepared with plenty of water, suncream, hats and snacks. We know there were several natural water features (streams and brooks), that would provide somewhat frequent opportunities to cool off too.
We unlocked Earth premium 🔓🌍
When I say that these were some of the best fews I've experienced on a hike, I'm not joking. It definitely helps when the weather allows for miles and miles of clear unspoilt view. Another thing that made these views so beautiful is knowing the determination and physical willpower it took to get them. We were prepped in advance with the knowledge that this route is officially rated 'challenging' by the Natural Trust. So, to an extent, we knew what kind of conditions we were signing up for.
Thankfully, both Leo and I are regular gym goers, which definitely played to our advantage throughout some of the hike's more challenging parts. But of course, with the weather pushing the very high 20's, we were cautious of needing to stay well hydrated, and took more breaks than normal. Safe to say, it was a scorcher of a Sunday spent putting miles on the boots 🥾🥾 and hard fookin' work. But it's always worth it for views like this...
Good for the soul
Getting out in nature is not only good for the mind, body and soul. It plays a more intersectional and holistic role in my life. It's a direct opportunity to immerse myself in my 'why'. By this I mean, my purpose, driver and motivator for many of my goals in life. Being able to appreciate mother nature helps me stay reminded as to why I pursue the lifestyle I do, including in my career. Appreciting the planet reminds my why I care so deeply about preserving it. But you don't need to endure a several hour hike for this. Literally get out and touch grass. Connection with nature is jut a beneficial in small actions.
My top (eco) picks for your next hike
A hike doesn't always have to be super strenuous or require loads of equipment and prep. But as a standard, it's good to take a few basic necessities with you when you go on a long walk, just in case. After all, better to have and not need then the other way around. As always, all my recommendation come from brands I've used and trust, and are doing their bit for the planet.
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