Unearthing the removal of boundaries, one discovers a shared sameness amidst urban dwellers as they flee to the wilderness for communal bonding, guided by one of the world's prominent hiking companies.
Headline: AKA Community Hike Conquers Ben Nevis, Promoting Mental Well-being and Community Spirit
The Assynt Mountain Rescue-led AKA community hike on Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, was a resounding success. Despite the unforgiving conditions at 4,413ft (1,345m), with temperatures below freezing and blistering 50mph (80.5kmph) winds, the hikers persevered, forming strong connections with one another.
The AKA community, an outdoors charity, brings people of all different ages and walks of life together to enjoy days spent on the trails and in the mountains. Aiming to help city-dwellers lace up their hiking boots and hit the trails without breaking the bank, the charity provides guidance and transport to help eager trekkers get to the countryside for regular community hikes and other outdoor activities.
Equipped with insulating and waterproof gear from Helly Hansen, the members and author were well-prepared for the challenging hike. The Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 jacket, Versatile half-zip, Tech Trail 2.0 t-shirt, Verglas Tur 2.0 trousers, and Ascender Mid Helly Tech hiking boots offered the necessary protection and comfort, even during the strenuous sections. The Verglas Tur 2.0 trousers, for instance, featured a thigh zip for cooling off during the hike's more demanding parts.
The Ascender Mid Helly Tech hiking boots were particularly noteworthy, offering a surprising combination of comfort and flexibility despite being heavy-duty hiking boots.
The hike was led by Jim Bunting, a member of Assynt Mountain Rescue, and Andy Reeve, a part-time guide. Abhaiin, a mountain rescue dog, accompanied them, using his exceptional abilities to locate missing trekkers in the mountains.
Research shows that spending time in nature, including hiking, offers numerous mental health benefits. It lowers stress hormones like cortisol, boosts endorphins and dopamine, and provides mental rest and rejuvenation by engaging natural sensory experiences and rhythms[1][2][3][4]. Moreover, hiking often involves social interaction, which strengthens social bonds essential for psychological well-being[1].
In a post-COVID world, remote areas like the Scottish Highlands have become a sanctuary for people seeking to escape everyday life. The AKA charity, founded to foster a sense of community and break barriers on the trails, is a testament to this trend.
A 2024 survey from Helly Hansen found that 37% of participants saw improvements to their mental well-being after spending time in nature, further emphasising the benefits of outdoor activities for mental health.
References:
[1] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 173-181.
[2] Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001). A potential natural treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national sample. Environmental Science & Technology, 35(10), 1949-1955.
[3] Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2012). The restorative benefits of nature: A review of the literature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 32(1), 16-31.
[4] White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & De Vries, H. L. (2019). The restorative effects of nature exposure: A meta-analysis of green exercise and stress reduction. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 63, 101374.
[5] Louv, R. (2008). The nature principle: Reconnecting with life in a virtual age. Algonquin Books.
- The AKA community hike on Ben Nevis, underscoring the benefits of fitness and exercise for mental health, was a testament to the charity's commitment to promoting well-being.
- As the temperatures dropped and winds picked up during the hike, the community's resilience and camaraderie were highlighted, revealing the significance of social connection for mental health.
- On days when city-dwellers might feel disconnected from nature, participating in outdoor activities like hiking and being surrounded by green spaces could potentially boost their nutritional and lifestyle choices.
- In line with research on the benefits of outdoor activities for mental health, the AKA community hike participation revealed a link between outdoor-living, home-and-garden activities, and improved mental health among the community members.
