For the joy and thrill of hiking
"The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls." ~ Lori Lansens
There's nothing like the thrill of walking and climbing high into the mountains to breathe fresh air and experience the quiet and solitude surrounding you.
Few activities provide a better blend of physical challenge, mental focus, and spiritual renewal than hiking.
Whether you're scrambling up a rock or walking up a mountain trail, hiking connects you to nature and makes you feel good.
And this is precisely what my friend Cat and I did on Saturday morning.
We decided, probably in a complete moment of madness, to hike the Edale Skyline, high in the hills of the Peak District.
It is known as a challenge, and bloody hell, it was, twenty-two miles with a total ascent of 3,798 ft/1,157m.
That's a lot of uphill climbing.
Set in the Derbyshire Peak District of England, Edale is a small village at the start and end of the UK's first and most famous long-distance walking path, the Pennine Way.
It takes hard work, endurance, preparation, and respect for what nature and the weather are likely to throw at you.
Despite the sweating and swearing, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Edale Valley, and a feeling that we had accomplished something great equalled the joy of completing the course.
Both of us were happy, but there were few words at the end, as our energy levels were almost zero. There was just enough left in the tank to hug our goodbyes.
Why do I love hiking and walking?
Hiking is a reasonably accessible activity, although it requires some journey time to reach the various high points across the UK, Wales and Scotland.
Many routes exist for all skill levels, from leisurely walks to higher-altitude ascents.
Ask any high-level walker or hiker, and they will most likely share one common goal: We are driven by the challenge of overcoming steep inclines, rugged terrain and the joy of being high up a mountain.
What's not to like?
On a clear day, you are rewarded with jaw-dropping views, making the sweat and effort worthwhile.
Nature offers her show of flowers, fauna, rocky outcrops, and interesting topography, making hiking fun and the pain bearable.
As I follow a trail, I am immersed in nature and the views, and there's nothing like feeling the sun's warmth on my face.
The sights, sounds, and smells of being in the mountains engage my senses, creating a meditative experience that is addictive.
I receive the psychological reward of relaxation, as my mind is focused on navigating, ensuring I don't lose my footing while taking in the scenery.
It is demanding and, at times, exhausting work, but always rewarding.
The joy of letting go of all the mind clutter, troubles, and angst and being one with nature. It's impossible to describe unless you've experienced it.
People often say, "Once you've climbed one mountain, surely they are all the same, so what's the difference?"
Each hike and climb is distinctly different, ranging from relatively easy to technically challenging.
A more leisurely walk following a trail (no long hike is easy) to scrambling and climbing over sharp rocks and outcrops, often with big drops.
There are also physical and mental challenges.
Hiking requires physical fitness, mental resilience, and strength in the legs, core, and cardiovascular system.
Ascents require upper body strength, flexibility, and balance, while descents can be deadly for the feet, legs, and toes.
Each effort is different. An easy day walk may only require moderate endurance and is less demanding, while an all-day hike of 9-10 hours can push the body to its limits.
Just like Saturday's challenge, and that's what the draw is to hiking.
No matter how much training and walking you do, you don't always know how your body will react to a gruelling twenty-two-mile hike.
There is much to consider, such as where to place your feet securely and look out for the next waypoint.
All of which help mental focus.
Pacing yourself is also essential, especially on long treks, where fatigue and changing weather can test even the strongest person's resolve.
You learn mental discipline, which carries over into everyday life, fostering patience (although my patience levels are zero at the best of times), problem-solving skills, and confidence.
While climbing and hiking are rewarding, they aren't without risks.
The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and the terrain can make physical exertion difficult if you're unprepared.
Proper planning, checking the forecast, carrying the right gear, and understanding the route are essential.
No matter how tired I am after a long hike, the sweat and exhaustion don't deter me from wanting to do it all again.
Hiker Dictionary © @ultra_natv
"A short hike" = longer than you think
'Almost at the top" = not even close
"Not much further" = a phrase often repeated but rarely true
"Just around the corner" = you can't even see the corner from here, and it's probably uphill
Reaching a summit, completing a long-distance trail, or mastering a challenging climb brings a unique sense of accomplishment.
There's nothing like the view from the top of a hill or mountain to make me feel humble and small; being in the mountains is my peace.
It's where I get to switch off my mind and surrender to the moment.
From the moment I set off, nothing matters; I am lost in the reverie of nature, concentrating on the trail and taking in the views.
One important thing I have learned through all the hiking I have done is the importance of perspective.
Each hike reminds me of how small we are in the vastness of nature while testing my toughness and resilience, and I love that aspect of it.
I hate heights (yes, I know, why do I do it, you ask), but I do it because conquering the hike or the climb helps control my self-doubt, fear, and limitations.
And I refuse to give in; I live by the motto - do or die trying.
And each hike is a journey of personal growth, endurance, and connection with nature.
I can be hiking on a gravel path or traversing a mountain in Austria, and every time, I learn something about myself, which helps me become stronger physically and mentally.
In a world filled with so many distractions, the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other is a peaceful, joyful and transformative experience.
Now onto my next adventure.
