Take a walk on the wild side

Hiking, trekking and bushwalking have become a go-to pastime for many. Discover the many ways hiking benefits your mind, body and spirit, the magic of connecting with nature and what you need to get started.

- CARROL BAKER

Hiking, trekking, bushwalking or tramping no matter what you call it, going for a walk or climb, far from the madding crowd, is a beautiful way to connect with nature. If you've never thought about strapping on some boots and heading bush, there are lots of good reasons why you should. Hiking benefits your mind, body and soul; it rejuvenates the spirit and offers opportunities to build cardio and endurance fitness as well as flexibility. For some, hiking is a way to challenge themselves, and for others a social and fun activity or a way to escape the grind. According to Forests Australia, there are over 134 million hectares of bush to explore. So what are you waiting for? When hiking, the awe-inspiring sight of a mountain vista, the sweet melody of birdsong, delicate beauty of wildflowers or glimpsing morning dew clinging to a spider's web bathed in light are moments that can take your breath away. Experiencing Mother Nature can be humbling; you're connected and surrounded by a living, breathing thing and that can be balm to the soul.

When Darren Edwards, the founder of Trail Hiking Australia, began hiking in the bush, it turned his life around. He had worked hard and suffered from depression and burnout. I was trapped in the mentality of having to work harder and harder and one day it was like my world imploded,” says Edwards. Hiking enabled me to get rid of all the noise inside my head, and the pressures around me.” Hiking brings the present into focus. It's a way to let nature soothe and heal. It can help you to be present in the moment, as you feel the warmth and texture of a paperbark tree, watch a native animal drink from a nearby stream or close your eyes and feel the kiss of the morning sun.

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