Hiking is an outdoor activity which involves walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain.
Hiking has many advantages which include nice views, fresh air, and the beautiful sounds and smells of nature.
Hiking is fun and is a great travel experience, it is an awesome way to immerse yourself in nature for a day; and a super easy micro adventure that you can have on a weekend, to escape the grind and refresh yourself for the coming week.
What sets hiking apart from other forms of exercise is that it’s done outdoors in a natural setting.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIKE?
i. Hiking is therapeutic, being highly recommended for people suffering from anxiety, stress or depression;
ii. It improves mental health.
iii. it helps you keep fit and stay in shape! Yeah you heard that right.
If you ask me, I'd say hiking represents what life is all about. You need to work hard to get what you want. You need to put in time and effort. However tired you may feel or unsure what step to take next, you keep going. You keep going up and keep persevering because in the end, you’re gonna reach something really amazing; be it a river, waterfall or a breathtaking view.
Here are safe hiking rules that should be followed. I categorized them into Do's & Dont's
DO's
i. DO HIKE WITH A FRIEND
It’s best not to hike alone particularly for first timers, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails. A partner or group of partners can help you navigate and assist if you get hurt. Going with a friend makes it more fun and energizing.
Generally, hiking in a group is better! Apart from the fact that its makes the activity more interesting, it also enhances safety as you would be able to render or receive help in case anyone gets hurt.
ii. DO YOUR RESEARCH VERY WELL
A particular destination may have its own rules and regulations but if you don't know, you might trespass and this could attract fine or punishment, but all these can be avoided if proper research was made.
iii. DO BRING ALONG A FIRST AID KIT
Getting injured during a hike is inevitable, it is only appropriate that you are fully prepared for it, so you won't be caught unaware. So please endeavor to go with a first aid kit, if not all then basic.
iv. DO BRING YOUR FUN SIDE
Please make sure you are not being forced to go on a hike. Either you are going with a group or alone, you need to go with an open mind and have all the fun you could.
v. DO PACK LIGHT
This point cannot be overemphasized, packing very light makes your hiking easier hence not getting tired on time. I went with my brother to hike Ado Awaye Mountainous and suspended lake and he flouted this particular rule despite my warnings and he paid for it. Guess who is a preacher of packing light now? Yeah you guessed right.
DONT'S
vi. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT CHECKING WEATHER FORECAST
I remember when we( travel content creators) planned a trip to Idere and we had to postpone because the weather forecast predicted rainfall and we were not willing to risk. After all, what fun is hiking when its drizzling? So you might want to check out that forecast before you set out.
vii. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT PROPER RESEARCH OF THE AREA
You might want to check for local restrictions I.e if you'll need a permit, reservations or pass to avoid embarrassment.
viii. DO NOT RUSH
Endeavor to make sure you have enough time to complete your hike. Get information on how long it usually takes to hike that particular destination because you don’t want to be caught out after dark.
ix. DO NOT DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY(tight denims, slippers etc)
As Owanbe has it's type of dress 😉 Same way hiking has it's own. However, there's no penalty for not wearing Aso Ebi to Owanbe but there is for dressing inappropriately for a hike such as DISCOMFORT and the last you want to experience on a hike is DISCOcomment.
x. DO NOT FORGET TO PACK SNACKS & WATER/
As a foodie that I am, you know I dare not omit this one😁 Minimie Chinchin is my go to snacks as it's handy and crunchy because I know if I don't eat, I might wear out easily but don't get it twisted; snacks is important but water is much more important.
CONCLUSION
Not only is hiking a lot of fun, “it also offers significant benefits to the human body. In fact, hiking can be considered to be a powerful cardio workout that has the potential to lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels.
THANK YOU!!!
So now that you are fully convinced hiking is the real deal, please read this👇
The Tourers in conjunction with Funatics Adventures is organizing a trip to Idere Hills in which 60% of this tour is Hiking.
Hiking
Caving
Bonfire
Adventures
Networking
Competition & Games...and lots more
Click Here to for more enquiries and bookings.
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