Are people hiking more due to the influence of social media?
Was COVID-19 a catalyst for an increase in outdoor activities among people?
Covid-19 saw more people developing relationships with the outdoors. The Mental Health Foundation found that throughout the pandemic nearly half (45%) of people in the UK believed visiting green spaces, such as parks, helped them cope amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.
As restrictions and Covid cases slowly started to decline, we saw more people developing a routine of getting mentally and physically fit, with walking as a means of transport for them. In 2024/25, London residents made 6.2 million walking all the way trips per day.
This is 38 per cent of all trips made by London residents, making it the most common mode of transport. Not everyone is exposed to walking, as it’s often seen as exhausting and boring and time consuming, but this mentality has shifted after the pandemic.
Image Credit : SMU Libraries
Image Credit : SMU Libraries
When we look back at hiking culture, what comes to mind?
In America, Natives introduced the idea of hiking trails, which are used for a form of transport and survival, livelihood.
These trails were later used for long hikes for those escaping the busy environment, an example of this is scouts who were pretty big all over the world from Europe to America.
The Daily Mail documented the youthful engagement of hiking and the positive impacts it had on these children.
When we think about scouts compared to now, a lot of the activities they conduct are outdoors based, and this has drastic improvements to their future skills and wellbeing.
During the First World War, many youths were sent out to participate in outdoor activities, and this is where the culture of long walks began. Hiking was a central activity for the Hitler Youth, and it was used as harmful propaganda to promote physical fitness.
Credit : The British Newspaper Archive
Credit : The British Newspaper Archive
The social scene behind hiking
TikTok has been growing in popularity among Gen Z and Millenniums and throughout the summer I saw many groups who go on walks and hikes promote their work on TikTok, which is great, but it also has its downsides.
From searching and consuming videos based on this hobby, I am interested in what I came across @shucamina who is a creator that focuses on all things hiking and travel content in and around the UK. Shukura founded @moja.collective which is a space connecting black and brown faces in nature and hosting their events via Eventbrite, the turnout of moja collective has been big with one video at 12.4k views.
TikTok and Instagram have had a track record ever since spring about new groups that are emerging from the social scene of hiking.
Hiking is often seen as an intimate solo or two people activity not as a group activity. Social media has changed the view of inclusivity and accessibility, and community. Hiking is now seen as more of a social scene where it is a form of getting to meet new people, finding connections, and hoping for long last relationships and friendships.
The use of communicating and reaching people through social media has been positive for people, especially those who feel overwhelmed and isolated, but finding a group that does weekly or monthly hikes can really change someone’s outlook on life.
Souls and Soles
Meet Zacharias Uribarri who set up the charity Souls and Soles initially through social media helping those who were struggling with the trials and tribulations of life. It started from a run club for people to meet each other to a wellbeing activity of hiking.
Souls and Soles is one of the biggest hiking groups in the UK with an approximate of 300 members attending per hike. The outdoors has always been a passion for Zacharias as from childhood he would accompany his dad on hikes and long walks and is now very grateful that he leads new faces on hikes.
The downside of consuming hiking content on social media
Joining a group for the first time could be very challenging and nerve racking as you may not know the safety behind staying safe. The group may not have someone who’s first aid trained, and you may be deprived of equipment and clothing that is suitable for long hikes. Some people feel more comfortable joining smaller groups rather than bigger groups.
My connection with outdoors grew after my trip to Somalia I felt a buzz of peace and tranquility and I noticed my environment especially being in an environment with soon and greenery really boosted my own wellbeing as an autistic woman hiking is a form of escaping the noisy loud atmosphere to a space where I feel very uplifted.
In 2023 I went hiking with @stepoutmentoring to the Cotswolds with a small group of people. That was more accessible for me in terms of staying safe. We had one adult who was first aid trained
Credit : Halima Abdi
Credit : Halima Abdi
To prepare for this hike, it revolved around the weather and if it was safe enough to go walking uphill and downhill. Having access to two different types of hiking boots, to make the hike more easier and accessible.
Credit : Halima Abdi
Credit : Halima Abdi
Navigating around, we followed the organisers in and around the trail. There wasn’t a map or a footpath to follow.
From making long term meaningful relationships to getting active and sustaining good mental wellbeing, hiking clearly has a lot of benefits.
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