The Essence of Hiking and How it’s Beneficial for You

What is hiking?

Hiking trails are long, strenuous treks in the countryside, usually on trails or pathways. Religious pilgrimages have been around for a long time but typically entail walking large distances for a spiritual goal associated with a particular religion.

In Canada and the United States, "hiking" is preferred; "walking" is shorter, especially for urban walks in these regions. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, "walking" refers to any walking, whether it's a stroll around the park or a backpacking trip through the Alps.

In the United Kingdom, the terms hiking, rambling (an older term), hillwalking, and fell walking are all commonly used (a term used mainly for hillwalking in northern England). The Sydney Bush Walkers club coined the term bushwalking in 1927, and it is unique to Australia. Tramping is the name given to a lengthy, strenuous walk or hike in New Zealand. Numerous hiking groups worldwide promote it, and studies suggest that all types of walking are beneficial to one's health.

Bushwhacking is a term used to describe hiking that includes bushwhacking. This refers to difficult traveling through deep woodland, undergrowth, or bushes, where forward progress necessitates pushing foliage aside to make headway. A machete is used to clear a path in extreme circumstances of bushwhacking, where the vegetation is so dense that human progress is obstructed.

Bushwalking refers to both on and off-trail trekking in Australia. New Zealanders refer to hiking as tramping (especially for overnight and longer treks), walking, or bushwalking.


Hiking has many advantages; there's nothing like spending the whole day immersed in nature; and an easy micro-adventure that you can do on the weekend to get away from the grind recharge for Monday morning.

Are you still not convinced? Here are ten scientific tidbits that suggest it's time to get out there and walk.

1. Hiking is a pleasurable experience.

It can "boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and even increase your memory." According to a report published in the Los Angeles Times in 2014 by Stanford University.

2. Hiking Can Help You Feel Better

"An hour and a half walk in a natural habitat can lead to extensive benefits for the brain and may prevent depression," is also noted by the LA Times.
Though you must travel in nature, studies discovered that hikers who strolled along a busy road with traffic did not get the same benefits.

3. Hiking Lessens Your Stress

According to a 2014 study published in Outside, going for a long walk can assist people in "mitigating the detrimental impacts of stressful life events and perceived stress."

4. It Aids in Problem Solving

"Spending time outside has been shown to boost attention spans and innovative problem-solving skills by up to 50%." According to a study published in 2012 and referenced by the Huffington Post.

5. It Improves Memory "Memory performance, and attention spans improved by 20% after just an hour of interacting with nature," according to a 2008 the University of Michigan research mentioned in this Guardian article.

6. It encourages you to think more creatively.

In 2014, researchers discovered that walking rather than sitting was the most effective way to generate new ideas.

7. Hiking Gets You Fit Hiking is a terrific low-impact cardio activity, especially if you hike quickly. Hiking will help you burn roughly 500 calories each hour if you worry about calories.

8. It Is Beneficial To Heart Health

According to the American Hiking Society, it lowers blood pressure and decreases your chances of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

9. Hiking at a high altitude is especially beneficial to your heart.

According to the scholars who worked on this study at the University of Athens.

10. Hiking by the Sea Is Particularly Beneficial

According to this 2012 study, scientists have discovered that the blue spectrum colors of the water relax us and that those who live near the sea are healthier than those who do not.

11. Most Greatest Part of All Is Strolling Among Family and Friends

As the research in this Time article indicates, having strong social networks and hobbies that you undertake with friends and family can help you live longer.

Hiking is a fun pastime!