Hiking / Trekking

Hiking / Trekking

What is it? 

Hiking and Trekking are often used as interchangeable terms, but there are some differences in the activities. A trek is often a longer journey than a hike, and usually takes place across areas with no other means of transport. Hiking is a more recreational pastime than trekking, as people go on hikes to enjoy the environment; the purpose of a trek is to reach a destination. 

What does it involve?

Although the definitions are different, hiking and trekking are reasonably similar practices. Both involve long distance walking in areas with no towns or roads by navigating a path through the environment or following an established trail. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Getting out and about in the world is always beneficial, even if it's just for the fresh air! Nature is important to appreciate, and spending time walking through the environment can help you to better understand how the world works when you remove the majority of human influence.

What equipment do we need?

Appropriate attire is vital when hiking or trekking; for example, wearing the wrong kind of shoes can result in painful blisters. Camping gear may also be required if it's a particularly long journey you are undertaking, and make sure to take food and water with you if it's not going to be available on route!

Who is it suitable for?

Particularly young groups of children won't be suitable for taking on long walks, but they may enjoy something like a shorter walk around the grounds of a castle!

Costs?

Going hiking or trekking can be completely free, as it doesn't have to involve any establishments outside your own. However, you can hire guides to lead your group on a walk, and sometimes the area you wish to walk in may be a national park and could have an entry fee. 

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Younger groups will need careful supervision when out and about in the world, they could easily wander off!

How do we include?

The inclusion of everybody in your student group will depend on the kind of terrain you are covering, and the distance involved. Be aware of the specific needs of your group when planning your route - uneven/steep ground won't be suitable for those with physical difficulties. 

Doing it abroad?

The foreign landscapes and natural environments are often more varied and interesting than our own, and could make for a great hike or trek. Make sure to plan your route out properly and be aware of safety advice beforehand - you don't want to get lost/stuck with no way out and no means of calling for help!

Main website:

http://www.walkingandhiking.co.uk

http://www.trekkingbritain.com

Venues with this Activity

A small but busy family run centre offering outdoor activities and experiences, with self catering accommodation in rooms and wooden wigwams. Whitewave is based in the crofting township of Linicro and has been operating in North Skye since 1990.

We offer safe, exciting and educational holidays for young people. A place where children can meet new friends, build confidence, develop social skills and gain wonderful memories.

Have you ever wanted to get out and experience the exhilaration of climbing a mountain? At Mountain Experiences we run training courses and lead mountaineering expeditions for all ability levels.

For schools and groups operating the Duke of Edinburgh's Award we provide Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions and training packages in all areas of the UK.

Welcome to Outposts' world of outdoor adventure activities, based in Somerset, but offering activities for schools and youth groups all over the country.

Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.

We work with young people across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire as well as Bath and North East Somerset.

Pony Trekking Centre

We're Wales' Premier Award-Winning Indoor and Outdoor activity and training centre, set in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, Mid Wales.

Total Adventure Ltd, based on the shores of Windermere offers a wide range of instructional led outdoor activities as well as bespoke outdoor events tailored to your own specific requirements. With over 40 years of outdoor experience all our staff are fully qualified, friendly and experienced.

Our Ullswater centre, set in the heart of the Lake District National Park and on the shores of the lake, has easy access to Helvellyn, the surrounding fells, crags, ghylls and waterfalls. It is one of the original homes of rock climbing as a sport and boasts a wide variety of locations for any level of climbing. 

Majestic views and peaceful walks in beautiful countryside

Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn.

Our aim is to release the potential in people to achieve breakthrough performance through training, adventure and shared experiences.

Award winning HF Holidays has been helping people enjoy the outdoors for 100 years. Today over 50,000 people come on holiday with us every year, enjoying the walking, the hospitality and the company.

Welcome to Summitreks Adventure Activities, where Summitreks has been successfully operating an all year round Adventure Activities business for nearly 30 years.

We have adventures for everyone and specialise equally in looking after those new to the outdoors and those with experience. We hope you can find what you are looking for or are inspired by some things you hadn't thought of.

Situated on the eastern shore of Windermere, our Outdoor Adventure Centre is the perfect place to discover the Lake District and take part in action packed, exciting activities!

Patterdale Hall Estate is a 300-acre private estate located in the breathtakingly beautiful Ullswater valley. The Estate offers eleven comfortable and affordable self-catering holiday properties of various types, all with magnificent views and wondrous settings. We also have a 5-pitch Caravan Club Certified Location which you can read about further down this page. 

Sam Sykes™ Ltd was set up to reverse this trend by delivering professionally led Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions across the UK and overseas. With over thirty years' experience in organising and leading DofE Award expeditions at BRONZE, SILVER and GOLD level.

We offer a full range of outdoor related courses and adventure experiences in mountain and water sports. Our aim is to give each of our clients a personal, high quality, safe and enjoyable adventure experience.

 

Ormside Mill is a residential and activity centre, sitting in a quiet rural location in the heart of Cumbria’s beautiful Eden Valley, just three miles from the lovely market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

We opened our South Pennines centre in 1994, converting a Victorian primary school to accommodate groups of up to 25 children. Since that first season we have twice increased the accommodation at the activity centre, so that we can now accommodate groups of up to 78 children together with their accompanying teachers.

The Anderton Centre is situated on the shores of the beautiful Rivington Reservoir in the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire, close to Chorley, Bolton, Manchester and Preston. The centre boasts superb water facilities and an idyllic rural setting which is conveniently located close to the M6 and M61 corridors.

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