Posts

Why Hiking Is A Popular Hobby

According to the AllTrail hiking navigation app, the number of hiking activities recorded in 2020 was up by over 170% compared to the previous year. The number of individual hikers also increased by over 130% in 2020. The hiking hobby has boomed during the pandemic, and it is showing no sign of slowing down.  

Naturally, being forced to self-isolate at the start of the pandemic can explain the sudden increase in number. People needed an activity that would take them out of the house safely and maximise direct sunlight exposure. As such, hiking has understandably become a coping mechanism during the pandemic. Yet, vaccine distribution figures have allowed most countries to go back to social

Escaping the city stress

As life is getting back to normal, people are experiencing a new phenomenon: Urban stress. Indeed, the absence of traffic and commute during the pandemic has encouraged wildlife to come back to cities. Birds, small and larger mammals wandered through our towns, breaking the grey landscape with fresh life. Unfortunately, urban activities are now back, and we suddenly realise how loud and polluting they are. Hiking offers a unique escape away from the city. More often than not, beautiful hiking spots are just outside cities, such as the stunning Malvern Hills that inspired the Hobbit landscape. Situated just outside Worcester in England, the hills have been a favourite spot for Tolkien. 

Surprisingly accessible

Most physical hobbies require specialist equipment and training. However, hiking can be easily accessible to all. Hiking is all about walking in nature. You can adjust your pace and trail choice to your skills and your outfit. If you fancy a quiet and digestive walk after a meal, there’s nothing wrong with walking in your everyday cashmere jumper and denim trousers. More experienced hikers can invest in shoes and gear for long and challenging trails. Yet, it’s not mandatory to enjoy the joys of hiking in nature. 

It’s therapeutic

Countless psychologists agree that walking is one of the most natural activities for most able-bodied individuals. Being active helps release endorphin, which reduces depression risks. Most mental health practitioners, therefore, recommend exercising to address mental health issues. Embracing a natural and easy activity makes it easier for individuals to regain control over their mental and physical health. 

We are still suckers for a good Insta-shot

While it’s not to say that we do everything for a good picture, most people will make conscious decisions about what to display in their social profiles. It makes no doubt that photos of your hobby are likely to receive more likes if it’s hiking compared to spending an afternoon watching TV. Walking allows you to find beautiful sceneries that are not only a delightful sight but also an Instagram winner shot. Why so? Because a hiking shot is peaceful, inspiring, and dream-worthy. It’s all about showing all the beautiful things around you. 

Hiking is regaining its old popularity back, and it’s a surprise to nobody! No other hobby is as accessible and calming as taking a walk in nature. Are you ready to see what goodness the trail has in store for you? 

 

Hike in the Stunning Beauty of the Malvern Hills

,

The Malvern Hills are the most renowned and internationally famous travel destination in central England. Whilst perhaps not being the same as a trip away to locations in Australia, or other popular European travel destinations, Malvern has a cultural history, a celebrated past, and amazing hiking opportunities. It is well known that the composer Edward Elgar famously came up with his Pomp and Circumstance (Land of Hope and Glory) here, inspired by the countryside and the peaks of the Malvern hills.

malvern hills

The Malvern Hills End to End

The Malvern Hills have been designated a Biological and Geological site of special scientific interest, as well as an area of outstanding natural beauty which stretch around 13km from north to south, rising and falling across the vast flatness that surrounds them on either side. The highest peak, the Worcestershire Beacon that reaches 425 metres (1,394ft) is a popular hiking destination. The region boasts leisurely, intermediate and some quite steep routes, so hiking sticks to steady your feet are recommended here. The hills are also particularly famous for their natural springs, with springs cropping up at many places set into the hills.

This hike can be quite tricky for beginners and it can take a toll on your feet, especially if you don’t have much experience with the steep sections. Packing the right gear will help you manage the hike comfortably, so make sure that you get a good quality pair of hiking shoes to cushion your feet and give you more grip. It’s also worth packing some heel balm to put on at the end of a long day, so your feet don’t get cracked and dry. Even on a hot day, it can get cold when you are that high up, so pack a warm hiking jacket too.

Another common hike is the walk from end to end, inbetween the villages of Great Malvern and Colwall, and is easily short enough for a strong day’s hiking, but many split it into two, stopping at the various and plentiful sites along the way. The pubs and country shops (an especially quaint and picturesque one being the hidden Saint Ann’s Well) sell local produce and detours into the town of Great Malvern can be made easily across the route. A final destination for the walk, (or one that is often walked in its own right) is the hill known as British Camp, the name referring to the remains of a Bronze Age hill fort that ripples down the hillside. At the top there are views to the north and south, with both the Cotswolds, and the Brecon beacons visible in the distance. On stormy days, the peak has an ancient feeling to it, the force of the winds often amplified by the folds of the hill, and people take cover within the safety of the mounds.

Quarry’s, Lakes and Reservoirs 

Walking the route, there are woods to pass through, springs to stop at, quarries, lakes and reservoirs to view. The Malvern Hills Trust lists a number of these. Gullet Quarry is well known for its steep face and the depth of its water, where many people congregate in the summer or walk around for the view and the wildlife in other seasons. There are many stories about Gullet Quarry, and its location close to the market town of Ledbury, close to the Malvern Hills, means that it can be visited easily. There the town hall, the Victorian facades of the buildings and the many cafes and independent shops are visibly close to the hills, alongside other walking routes of Dogwood or The Conigree.

The Wytch Cutting is another well known and dramatic destination along the course of the hills. Close to the Worcestershire beacon, the roads rise to cut through the hills themselves, passing through a rock face at one of their peaks. Here, set into the rock are a number of small pubs and hotels with undeniably beautiful views, the ability to sit out in pub gardens with a view only usually reached at the peak of many of the other hills.

The Malvern Hills are definitely a world renowned site, on a par with many locations around Europe and at the heart of England make a day out that can be both child friendly, or more challenging, with culture sites and beautiful views that see people returning year after year.