Why to Celebrate National Hiking Day
Crisp autumn leaves crunch beneath our boots, cool breezes tickle our cheeks and the trees are putting on one last spectacular show before winter arrives. Step outside and you’ll find flashes of golden yellow, fiery orange and deep red brightening up the woods and country lanes. It’s the perfect time of year to pull on a cosy jumper, grab your walking boots and head off on a family adventure.
And what better excuse to get out and explore than National Hiking Day, also known as Take a Hike Day, on 17 November? It’s a lovely reminder that a walk in the great outdoors isn’t just about getting from A to B. Time spent walking and exploring has lots of benefits - it can give our bodies a boost, help us switch off from busy everyday life and create precious opportunities to chat, play and spend time together.
You don’t need to tackle a huge mountain or walk for miles to join in. A wander through your local woods, a stroll around the park or a muddy meander along a country path all count. The real fun is getting outside and seeing where your feet take you!
Five great reasons to celebrate National Hiking Day
1. It’s a chance to slow down and be mindful
Life can feel wonderfully busy, especially with little ones in tow. Hiking gives everyone a chance to pause, look around and notice what’s happening right now. Listen to the leaves rustling in the trees, feel the breeze on your face and see how many different colours you can spot.
Encouraging children to notice the sights, sounds and smells around them can turn an ordinary walk into a brilliant little mindfulness adventure.
2. It can help lift your mood
There’s something rather magical about stepping outside after a busy day. Fresh air, green spaces and a change of scenery can help us feel refreshed, while walking gives everyone a chance to let off some steam.
Instead of worrying about what needs doing at home, you can concentrate on the path ahead, the conversation you’re having or the enormous puddle you’re trying not to jump in!
3. It gives busy brains a chance to focus
Children are surrounded by distractions, from screens and games to the general busyness of everyday life. A walk offers something wonderfully simple: one foot in front of the other, with plenty of interesting things to discover along the way.
Try turning your hike into a treasure hunt. Can you find a feather, a smooth stone, a red leaf and something that makes an interesting sound? Suddenly, even the smallest woodland walk becomes an exciting mission.
4. Nature can help children practise important life skills
A family hike is about much more than walking. Children can make decisions about which path to take, work out how to get around a muddy patch, solve little problems and negotiate with siblings about who gets to lead the way.
Give them a little freedom to take the reins and you might be surprised by how much they can figure out for themselves. Just remember that a little muddy exploration is all part of the fun!
5. It’s a wonderful way to connect
Perhaps the best reason of all to go hiking is simply to spend time together. Walking side by side can make conversations feel easier and gives everyone the chance to chat without the usual distractions.
For children, exploring outdoors with friends or family can also create opportunities for cooperation, imaginative play and shared adventures. You might start with a simple walk and end up building a den, inventing a woodland game or racing sticks down a stream.
Ready, set, hike!
So, this National Hiking Day, why not swap the sofa for the great outdoors? Choose a favourite local route, pull on those walking boots and pack a few snacks. There’s no need to worry about how far you go or how quickly you get there.
Take your time, follow the leaves, jump in the puddles and see what you can find along the way. After all, the best family adventures are often the ones where there’s a little mud involved!