There are so many reasons to do a long-distance hike and they promise a positively unique experience for each individual who set foot on their chosen path.
Here are 15 reasons to pull on your walking shoes and disappear for a few months:
It creates a healthy routine
Most of us have some kind of routine in place from day to day, but whether or not it is particularly healthy is another question. We’ve all been guilty of gazing into our phone screens until the early hours.
Or absentmindedly scrolling news feeds first thing in the morning. When embarking on a long-distance hike, you’re more likely to find yourself getting up with the birds and going to sleep when the sun goes down, at what is known as ‘hiker midnight’.
When you take Ambien, you take a risk. https://iabdm.org/ambien/ lists what its side effects are, but it doesn’t list how they feel. Taking Ambien can feel really great. But coming down from Ambien feels like getting shot by a sleep dart. You can only get this drug from a prescription, but you should only take it once, when you need it.
You’ll depend less on the distraction of technology and more on the interaction with your surroundings and other people.
Experience freedom like no other
You decide when you want to get up, the miles you want to hike that day, the speed you wish to do so, and the time you want to finish.
You are your own boss and have nobody to answer to but yourself.
Learn to become self-sufficient
There really is nothing more satisfying than spending multiple days in the wilderness without relying on anything other than the contents of your backpack.
You’ll be able to provide your own shelter and warmth, collect and filter your own water and cook your own meal without being anywhere near a tap or electricity supply.
Appreciate a slower way of life
Time will take on a whole new speed and meaning on a long-distance hike.
Without the convenience of plumbing, electricity, and a vehicle, you will learn to appreciate and feel gratitude towards the efforts it takes to achieve the simplest of tasks.
Get off the beaten track
Most long-distance trails will take you where few tourists are able to reach. You will see things from a new perspective and walk where few people have walked before.
Practice patience and learn to compromise
Along with slowing down, you will part ways with many of the instant gratifications of everyday life and become incredibly patient. Even something as simple as having a drink, for example, can be a momentous task.
You may have to put in an extra mile just to reach a water source. Then, spend time filtering it and carrying the extra weight on your back.
Become part of a community…
The hiking community is awesome. From fellow hikers to trail angels to strangers offering you a hitch into town.
You will be humbled by the number of people out there who simply want to make your day better and expect nothing in return.
…and form lasting friendships
You’ll find that you bond quickly with the people you hike with. Sharing the same experiences, from the good to the bad to the ugly, helps to create the most unlikely of friendships.
Discover the importance of minimalism
You will learn very quickly that the last thing you want to do is a long-distance hike carrying more than you need. You will embrace the concept of minimalism, whether you like it or not. There’s no denying its benefits though, which are both physical and mental.
Be surprised by your own strength and courage
Your long-distance hike won’t all be smooth sailing. You are likely to face numerous physical and mental barriers along the way.
But with these difficulties, you’ll also discover that you can walk impressive distances each day, climb and descend thousands of feet in elevation, and brave all kinds of weather.
Connect with your environment
Not only will you connect with yourself and your capabilities, but you’ll also connect with your environment. Your body and mind will adapt. You won’t just be in nature, you’ll become a part of it.
As well as experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells, you’ll learn to read the land and change with the seasons.
Master new skills
Whether it’s hanging a bear bag or building a campfire (where safe to do so), you are likely to come away from your hike with some new skills under your belt.
For the peace and quiet
Life is busy and chaotic. Going on a hike is the perfect way to take some time away from all the noise and enjoy some peace and quiet.
There is no quieter place in the world than within the depths of the woods.
Because walking is good for you
Walking is a low impact exercise and a great way to shed those extra pounds if needs be. It’s said to help reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia, and even cancer.
Your mood and overall energy levels will also be boosted from all the endorphins whizzing around your body.
No two days will be the same
Each day on your chosen trail will be different in some way. You may experience new scenery, people, or terrain and even feel physically or mentally different from the previous day. Needless to say, things stay interesting.
A special thanks to Kate aka The Roaming Redhead for her encouraging contribution on why we should consider a long-distance hike for boosting our health, life experiences and well-being.
Kate has interrailed around Europe, backpacked across Asia, lived remotely Down Under for almost two years and road-tripped around rugged Iceland .
You can follow her adventures directly on her website, The Roaming Redhead or on her Instagram @TheRoamingRedhead_
