Making sure that the nation’s forests are safe and welcoming places for all to explore is what drives us. So when we heard about soft hiking - an approach championed by walking club Soft Girls Who Hike – we knew that this could be a perfect way for people to experience the joys of walking in the great outdoors. Find out more about soft hiking and how to make the most of it in our forests and woodlands this autumn.
What is soft hiking?
Soft hiking essentially means that hiking doesn’t have to be a hard, challenging, fast-paced activity. It’s less about the activity itself and more about having a compassionate mindset towards yourself as you walk.
The goal of a soft hike is not to reach the finish line or end point in the fastest time but to take your time and make the most of the experience. Take in your surroundings, be gentle on yourself, fuel your body and take breaks when you need to.
It is less about being slow and more about going at your own pace – whether you’re hiking up a mountain, a hill or even just taking a wander through the woods.
Connecting with like-minded hikers
Soft Girls Who Hike now have a large social media following. They noticed early-on from the comments on their social posts that their ethos of soft hiking really resonated with their followers, with many finding validation in their own hiking experiences.
As a result of this, they created the Soft Hiking Club for soft hikers to connect with each other on Facebook and social connection app Cliq, encouraging others to create subgroups in their own areas to meet up and soft hike together.
Essentials for soft (and not-so-soft) hiking
To make the most of your soft hike you need to be prepared, making sure you have everything you might need. Soft Girls Who Hike recommend these must-have items for a comfortable and enjoyable soft hike:
- hiking boots: sturdy, supportive and comfortable shoes are a must. Bonus points if they’re lightweight and provide ankle support too.
- backpack: pick a decent sized bag with plenty of handy pockets and a strap across the chest for extra support.
first aid kit: this is the first thing that should go in your bag.
- comfortable clothing: wear breathable fabrics and pack extra layers, like a fleece, in your bag. Caps in summer and fleece-lined hats in winter are also a must.
- food and water: always take more than you think you’ll need, in case of emergencies. Snacks are important for energy boosts to keep you going.
- waterproof jacket: even if the sun’s out, the weather can turn at any minute - especially on top of a peak.
How to get started and stay motivated on your soft hike
Taking the first step into a new activity can be daunting. Soft hiking should never be forced or seen as a chore, so set yourself an achievable goal to start with; there’s no need to walk miles and miles or hike up steep inclines unless you want to.
Making plans and sharing your soft hiking experiences with a friend or group can help you stay motivated. Remembering why you’re choosing to soft hike is also a good motivator; whether you’re soft hiking for your health, to explore new places or just to spend time in the outdoors, remind yourself why you’re doing it.
Don’t be disheartened if the weather’s bad, you're not feeling well or the odds seem to be against you. Just reschedule for another date; the forest, trail or mountain will still be there tomorrow. Schedule another date and look forward to getting back out into the great outdoors.
Ready to start soft hiking?
The Forestry England Step into Nature challenge with Strava is a great way to start soft hiking this autumn. Join the challenge by recording eight days of activity before 10 November 2024 to be in with the chance of winning a stay in an off-grid cabin.
