Hiking is an activity that anyone with relatively good health can do–it’s not a sport that’s about being extremely fit, it’s about connecting with nature and appreciating what you can do.
Earlier this year, members of Compass’s team founded a London-based hiking club: opportunities for team members to get together and discover day walks in and around London, as well as longer excursions around the UK.
We spoke to two of the club’s co-founders, Megan Croal, Senior Clinical Science Research Associate, and Ryan Murrell, Senior IT/AV Support Engineer, about their shared love of hiking, the physical and mental health benefits that hiking can bring, and what inspired them to set up the group.
Tell us about Compass’s hiking club. What inspired you to set it up?
Meggy: I was an outdoorsy-natured kid; growing up in Scotland meant that I spent a lot of time in the hills and mountains. Now I tend to spend my free time hiking and camping, and I wanted to share my love of the outdoors with others. Compass is full of like-minded individuals, so it wasn’t long before a few of us showed an interest in getting out into nature. Ryan and I were especially keen to explore some of the natural beauty the UK has to offer. We recognised that the greatest barrier was often getting a plan in place, so we took it upon ourselves to start a Compass hiking club.
Ryan: I grew up doing quite a lot of hiking with the Cadets, and I always really enjoyed it. As an adult, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer at work, and I wanted to take up an activity that would get me away from a screen, out in nature, and would benefit me physically and mentally. Hiking fit the bill, but I didn’t know many people who were interested. I was inspired by Meggy and the hiking trips she does with her family and friends, so we got talking and decided to set up a club.
Which walks have you done so far?
Meggy: We only set the group up this year, and already we’ve done a several day hikes, including a walk along the cliffs in the South-East and a long loop around London. We’ve also recently organised two weekend trips: one two-night camping trip in the Lake District with a hike up Scafell Pike, and another staying in a lodge in Snowdonia, Wales.
What benefits do you think people can gain from setting up or joining a hiking club?
Ryan: Honestly, the group trips I’ve organised have been one of the highlights of my career. Hiking forges strong bonds: it pushes you outside your comfort zone and gives you a unique opportunity to really get to know people-we’ve become friends, not just colleagues. Fitness is always more fun with friends, and hiking is also a great way to build confidence. I’m always pleased and relieved after I’ve climbed a particularly tough ascent, or completed a route I wasn’t sure I’d be able to manage. On a personal note, I’ve also gained a lot from being a leader: organising hikes and trips away, navigating routes, and encouraging others and boosting morale amongst the group.
Meggy: For me, hiking combines the endorphins you get from physical activity with a sense of achievement and social interaction. It’s also an opportunity to be mindful and to get away from technology and the stresses of modern life. Hiking is an activity that anyone with relatively good health can do–it’s not a sport that’s about being extremely fit, it’s about connecting with nature and appreciating what you can do.
What should people consider when planning a longer or more adventurous walk?
Meggy: Always do your research! I recommend really understanding your route and what is required in terms of directions, kit, and fitness. Secondly, I would say start small. You can’t expect to love longer hikes if you haven’t tried a smaller one yet. Third, get the right gear. Invest in good quality boots, a backpack, and waterproofs. Fourth, go with a good group. Hiking with friends is great but be aware that you won’t always align on pace and fitness–be prepared to split up at points. Finally, always bring snacks. I recommend sweets (or candy), energy bars, and electrolyte tablets–good for hydration, but more importantly, they make your water tasty.
Ryan: Be honest with yourself about your capabilities: don’t dive in at the deep end. Staying safe is the most important thing. Make sure you have proper equipment and assess the weather and conditions before setting off, and if you’re on your own, make sure someone knows where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. Remember that attempting any hike is a success in itself: it doesn’t matter how long it is or what the route is like. And have fun!
What advice would you give to people wanting to start their own employee-led clubs?
Ryan: Do it. There’s a strong chance that you’ll find people who share your interest and it’s a great opportunity to connect with people you work with. Set up a group on whatever channel your company uses (Slack, Teams, etc) and start planning and talking about the activity. My advice is to make sure you spread the word round to everyone, as you never know who may want to join!
Meggy: Communicate! People can get nervous about trying something new, so let them know what to expect. Make your club as inclusive as possible: with our hiking group, for instance, we try to plan walks that are suitable for different ability levels, and we always let people know in advance what the route will be like, so they can decide whether they want to join.