5 myths about hiking that are not true

ME.TALK - Hiking is more than a walk in the park or through the city. It is an outdoor adventure that everyone can experience; great for mind and body. Hiking is sometimes underestimated and there are a lot of myths that are not true.

by Hanan

I thought it was time to debunk these myths through the years of experience I have in hiking. Here are five myths that are not true.

Hiking is not an effort

Hiking is the purest form of exercise. It is the method of movement and travel that people have always done. Hiking uses an incredible number of muscles, especially when you hike over a varied terrain with climbing and descending.

Hiking is for old people

One of the benefits of hiking is that anyone can do it. Old people can go out into nature, but also children, teenagers, parents with young children, a group of friends and individually. It is a fun and social way to exercise that also gives you time to enjoy your own thoughts. And the people you meet as an individual hiker are invaluable.

Hiking is too slow

Because hiking is slower than other sports and ways of travel, you get a lot back from the things you see around you. All your senses have time to absorb everything; your eyes see small details of the environment, your ears perceive miraculous sounds and your nose takes in all the smells you can imagine: birds, butterflies, rippling water, the smell of pine, fresh cut grass and budding flowers.

Hiking is boring

Hiking is usually on trails far away from the concrete world; through forests, field roads, dry river beds and over rocks. You will reach places where you can only reach on foot - not accessible by car, bicycle or boat. It's quite an adventure. And adventures are rarely boring.

Hiking is only for outdoor people

Hiking has often been associated with wet weather, poor canned food and camping. But it doesn't have to be that way. The nice thing about hiking is that you don't have to plan too much in advance. You can map out a route that takes you through some nice villages with pubs and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch or enjoy a delicious coffee. And in the evening you can always sleep in a cozy hostel, hotel or bed & breakfast.

ME.TALK | HIKING

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POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack  and hiking boots Hanan travels around the world. Destination? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
backpacker and storyteller

PHOTO
​Thierry Hanan Scheers

28 October 2020