The Peak District, England, UK
In this week's weekend engagement questions, I picked to talk about my passion for hiking. In fact, its more than just hiking. I like to take youth hiking who haven't had the chance to experience the pleasure of nature and hiking because of living in suburban London.
Why hiking?
A few years ago, I was living in Sudan where it is on the edge of the Sahara dessert. It's incredibly hot and dusty. The climate is really harsh and the people are poor. They don't have the chance to really appreciate the beauty of nature. They are surviving day to day.
Sudanese village close to work I worked
When I returned to the UK, I thought how lucky everyone is that they have such beautiful countryside yet so many have never really been there. I therefore joined a youth group as an adult volunteer and starting taking young people out hiking and camping in the British countryside.
Some of the young people in London haven't ever been to the countryside. They didn't know there was so much out there to see. They are often amazed by the views and the expanse of the countryside.
Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK
An added bonus
Not only was I enjoying the great countryside but I also found that hiking was a great way to escape the stress of my work life. I have one of those stressful jobs where I need to make decisions that have big ramifications. Sometimes I get it wrong and it can be very expensive and hard to deal with.
I found if I stay at home, its difficult to switch off. There are always emails on my phone and people pinging messages for help.
When I am out hiking or camping with my youth group, it's a different type of busy that takes you away from the work. I can unwind.
Me wild camping - Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK
Not just UK
I have also ventured beyond the UK with some lovely hikes abroad. The most notable was taking my youth group to Switzerland.
Hiking near Kandersteg, Switzerland
Taking young people overseas for these types of trips is something that takes months of planning. There are a lot of forms, risks assessments and training that needs to be completed first. However, it is an experience that the young people will remember for their whole lives as some of the nature and the views in some of the places that we go to our simply breath taking!
Hiking near Kandersteg, Switzerland
Conclusion
I love hiking as it is invigorating, it takes the stress away and we see some of the most awesome places in the world. I hope that I can go to other parts of the world in future. However, there is plenty to see in the UK and I encourage everyone to get out and try it for themselves.
Covid days were also tough as we couldn't get out - so make the most of things while you can. Don't put things off!