Hiking trips have many benefits: You get to see a variety of unique places, they are great fun, very sociable and you’ll be working out when on the hike. When looking into hikes, there is a whole range that you can sign up for. A mid-week break, a weekend hike, an 8-day hike like these Camino Portugues coastal routes or you can hike for a couple of hours somewhere local. Different routes have different difficulties, meaning there are hikes for various abilities, whether you are a beginner or advanced. Plus, you can hike with your friend and family members, a perfect way to catch up and spend some time together.
Below are four different benefits of going on a hiking trip.
Hiking is good exercise
Depending on the difficulty of your hike, you can really test your stamina and ability or go for an easier one. Either way, you will be working out, burning calories and getting some good exercise. It’s a different way to exercise and you’ll most likely work harder than you would when down the gym or going for a run. Hikes can go on for a number of miles, to over 100 miles like these Camino de Santiago trails that are completed over a number of days. It’s down to you to judge your ability sensibly and sign up for a hike that you can realistically complete but at the same time challenge yourself.
Hiking is sociable
You can go on a hike with your friends, hike with your family members or join a hiking club. Whichever you choose to do, it’s very sociable and gives you plenty of time to catch up. If you are hiking with a hiking club, you’ll meet new people who are like-minded and get to make friends who you can go on trips with throughout the years. Why not get a friend to join a hiking club with you so that you can go on hiking trips together with the club.
You will get to see different places
When you are hiking, you’ll get to visit a whole range of places. A lot of these places can be difficult or impossible to get to by car, giving you a completely unique experience. You could go on a hiking trip locally, travel to somewhere within the country you live or go abroad to somewhere completely different. One of the number one rules of hiking is always to remember your camera! You’ll get plenty of opportunities to capture some incredible photos.
It’s good for your mental health
Being outside at one with nature can be very beneficial for your mental health. It gives you time to forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life as well as get fresh air and some exercise. Most hikes can provide a mental challenge that can be stimulating and rewarding and gives you time to reflect on your life.
What do you love most about hiking? Are there any points you would like to add to the above? Let us know in the comment box below.
