Come chat hiking with me!

[SanFranBear]

I've noticed whenever hiking comes up as a general chat subject, loads of people jump in to say how much they love it. I thought there might be a general thread somewhere on this as I'd love to chat with people who walk regularly but couldn't find one.

Would anyone like to join me? I live down on the South Coast so am lucky that there are some gorgeous places for me to walk - the New Forest, South Downs and further up the coast in both directions. I normally manage a couple of decent walks a week, depending on DC's care pattern, as well as trying to get out for the occasional hour or so on other days. I mainly walk alone but do have a friend who joins me on occasion.

I'm quite a novice as only really started walking in February of this year and the furthest I've walked is just over 20k, but I'm finding it so liberating - I feel like a different woman after a walk, my mind is free and my body feels tired but satisfied, if that makes sense?

Would just be nice to have a friendly chat with like-minded bods. And perhaps share some photos - helps the weather is beautiful at the moment but I'm struck every time I'm out, just how beautiful our country is - even when I'm wandering in the inner city. Here's a couple of pictures from my Friday walk - a stunning church in a village in the middle of nowhere and some great graffiti on the side of a motorway underpass 😃

How is everyone doing? Too much time out and about? no photos of the recent cairngorms trip but snow buntings were spotted - very exciting

I had a lovely (but windswept) walk at Maiden Castle (just outside Dorchester) today. Not a long walk but very quiet and saw a couple of birds I hadn't seen before. I also think I may have seen a hare - large, long ears, but not convinced that the legs were right.

My stomping ground. We tend to have more hares in Dorset than we do rabbits. It’s always Windy up maiden castle but it’s a lovely walk.

They move a bit different to rabbits o think ?

Boy oh boy it’s hot. Have picked this week of all weeks to do annual hiking break with dear friend. Today was just a 9 mile loop of Long Mynd. It feels too hot tbh.
planning a little stretch of Offa’s dyke tomorrow. Anyone know of any wild swimming spots along the Teme?

I found it too hot even walking home from work yesterday! Not planning any walking this weekend; swimming, however - definitely!

Yesterday on and around the Stiperstones. We also did the Long Mynd and a section of Offa’s Dyke from Knighton. It’s an annual three day walking holiday I do with a dear friend and although we cut our usual mileages and speed due to the heat, we were out every day. Plenty of water, well covered. And we kind of acclimatised I think.

What a wonderful read this thread is! The photos are absolutely glorious.

Off to the Yorkshire Dales for a couple of days but I'll be looking for some shorter walks because my fitness isn't that great at the moment and I need to work my way back up. I'd be grateful for any recommendations for circular walks of 5 miles or less around the Askrigg / Wensleydale area, if anyone has any suggestions!

https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/get-outdoors/walking/short-walks/
@SereneSquirrel some nice ones on here with map and description !

Yes this is a lovely thread to be on :)

I also fell off the thread after a very bruising breakup in summer 2024 (boyfriend/hiking partner). After 14 months of feeling very sorry for myself I am packing for a trip to pick up my Wainwrighting - two years since the last. Will be strange doing it solo, but I can’t waste another year crying over that emotionally avoidant man. So, Buttermere, here I come.

good on you @SweatyChamoisPad

keep a tab of how many men ask if you are alright or need a hand whenever you look at your map! I find that a real problem in the lakes

I just had a very stressful month and then escaped for a few days walking in Northumberland and it was so good for me

@SweatyChamoisPad I will be honest.
solo hiking is far superior ☺️

Get your boots on!!

@becausetrampslikeus Northumberland is beautiful. It’s also about a 6 hour or more drive from here.

I’m going on a little hike/ wild camp walk next weekend along the Suffolk coast and inland Heath bits. Cant wait

For some unknown reason, I clicked on the 'Thread I'm On' buttons today and this one was at the top... how absolutely wonderful of you all for keeping it going. I've always enjoyed reading others exploits so thank you for bumping this so often!

I've been continuing with my hiking - that Amazon isn't going to walk itself - but its not all been great as I have really bad back pain at the moment. Powering through as activity obviously helps but I'm finding I'm having to really force myself up for those early walks which I used to almost bounce out of bed for. I'm getting treatment for the pain so hopefully my bounce will be back soon..

Welcome @SereneSquirrel and also massive waves to all those who have walked this thread with me for years now 😁

Glad to hear you're feeling more positive, @SweatyChamoisPad - and have to agree with @DelightfulDoris that solo hiking is the superior choice. I do have company on occasion but I really do prefer heading out at my own pace, listening to podcasts or just the wonderful peace and quiet of the countryside and soaking it all in.

I'm afraid I don't know Yorkshire at all, SereneSquirrel, but I route plan on Komoot which has walks and hikes of all distances and levels - highly recommend. I also don't know Northumberland but its wild and untamed round there so would love to head out that way. My two DC are still a bit young for me to leave overnight (well, DD is now 16!! but DS has a few more years before I'd feel comfortable) so multi-day hikes are still slightly out of reach.. but getting ever closer!

There have been some cracking photos on here so would love to see more of all your exploits. I will make a note to take more myself as I've been very slack on that of late - although did take this one the other day when the entire herd of cows was following me and mooing soooo loudly - they terrified me as all that was between them and me was a rather insignificant electric fence - did the trick though... and as I escaped through the stile in the top corner, the farmer turned up to feed them so crisis averted but I am not a fan of cows anyway - they're so strong!

It's been lovely catching up so happy hiking to you all 😃

@DelightfulDorisi escaped from Suffolk - too flat for my tastes but does have some good bits - around chilisford (?) was nice

My back problems are still pants ish, but u also have a foot problem.
I managed one munro in August though.
And today a little walk with some fantastic mushrooms around a woodland in Angus.
It was so good to be in the woods.

I am back. Had perfect Lakeland days, in just a T-shirt even on the tops (thank you hot flushes). Four Wainwrights conquered (Western Fells) along with a circuit of the beautiful Buttermere. YHA at Buttermere was great and roomed with a decent bunch of women in our dorm. Back in love with the Lakes and aiming to finish the 214 before end August 2026.

Humpf much better weather than the week before!

Well done @SweatyChamoisPad , and those fungi @SuperLoudPoppingAction are incredible. I have just come back from some time in Iceland where I have done quite a bit of walking but no real hikes. But I'll leave some photos anyway.

@becausetrampslikeus oh I’ve done my fair share of soggy fells (and a hellish day on the Cheviot) don’t you worry!
Gorgeous photos too @Wildernesstips .

Off to Portugal today for 4 days b&b to b&b coastal walking. Roughly 20km per day and going solo. Just getting over a very badly timed heavy cold. It's my first solo trip and first trip that isn't centre based. I'll either come back saying never again or raring to book another.

That sounds amazing. I think 12 ish miles a day is nice. I fancy doing the herriot way that's about 13 a day.

@SweatyChamoisPad I love Buttermere and have stayed at that yha. It's great. Dh and I often stay in yhas even though youth is a distant memory. I find it's mostly middle aged plus now anyway. We're at Kettlewell and Grinton yha soon.

I was one of the youngest there @Juniper68 and I’m 53! 😁. I stayed at Kettlewell about four years ago and it’s ex-YHA if it’s the same one. I think it’s been sold again since there (lovely family ran it) - the communal rooms are gorgeous - all decorated in Orla Kelly.

No they haven't sold it they tried. Floss and Saul still have it. Can't wait to go back.