For those looking to see the natural world, and to get a healthy dose of exercise at the same time, it’s difficult to beat a hiking holiday. There are certain sights and experiences that sit a fair walk away from the nearest car park, and the only way to get to them is to lace up a pair of boots.

Great way to get fitter

As forms of exercise go, walking is difficult to beat. If you’re hiking for miles on end, every day, then you’ll get a spectacular workout. Walking is low-intensity, which means that you’ll be able to approach it whatever your level of fitness. An outdoor hike will involve uneven terrain, which will put your legs under stress from many different angles. This will help to build more generalised strength in your lower body, which will make injury less likely.

For new hikers, it’s important to start from a low base and gradually increase the mileage. Give yourself plenty of time to recover between sessions. If you’re planning on tackling one of the many walking holidays Europe has to offer, then you might try doing a few miles in your local park, as preparation.

It’s more affordable

One of the great things about a hiking trip is that you won’t have to pay much to enjoy it. In many cases, the parking will be free – and the miles you put in will come at no cost at all. To be sure, you’ll need to invest a little upfront in some well-fitted, comfortable and supportive boots, and the right windproof clothing. But this is actually pretty affordable, especially when compared with other outdoor hobbies like cycling.

Make friends along the way

One of the benefits of a walking holiday is that you’ll come across other hikers along the way. If you’re sharing the path, then you might elect to travel at the same pace – which means that this is a great opportunity to forge new connections.

Peace and quiet

Time spent in nature can be enormously beneficial for your state of mind. As human beings, we’re naturally adapted to find the outdoors inspiring and mood-enhancing. Combine this with exercise, and you have a recipe for good mental health. That’s on top of the natural seclusion you’ll get on a long hike. It’s a perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life in the UK.