Just getting out for a short walk in local parks, woodland, or nature spots can help to improve mental health. In fact, many villages, towns, and cities have local walking groups. These are a great way to meet likeminded people and provide opportunities to explore different areas.
There are also more challenging types of walking, such as hill and moorland hiking, and mountaineering. These can encompass everything from short fell walks through to full expeditions with wild camping.
Some popular UK routes can include scrambling, others roped climbing, and the more technical routes a combination of both.
Progressing onto more technically demanding routes from simple hikes is a sensible approach. This allows for the development of the necessary skills and competence to keep you safe in challenging and changing environments – see our “Safety” page for more info on skills development.
We would recommend that, if venturing into mountainous terrain for the first time, you do so with experienced people. There are many qualified UK instructors and leaders that can be employed to safeguard groups, as well as inform and instruct the necessary skills to enjoy the hills safely. Qualified instructors and leaders can be found on the Mountain Training Association: Find a leader database. You can also contact qualified leaders via Guidebase, which is a new initiative aimed at linking clients with qualified outdoor professionals.
We will be planning and undertaking monthly walking events to support the Mountains for the Mind campaign. Details of these events, and how to register to attend, can be found in the events page of the website.
Associations and Groups
The links below will take you to a number of interest groups, associations and resources. These include the governing bodies of UK mountaineering, which you can join as a member to gain benefits that include insurance, organised events, and newsletters. The membership fees are also used to fund environmental projects such as the construction of designated paths on our hillsides.
We have also included links to the National Training Centres that provide various outdoor training courses. It should be noted that many of the MTA qualified leaders and instructors can provide training courses as well, so it’s always worth speaking to a local instructor / leader to see what they can offer.
Will4Adventure provide hill & mountain skills courses and adventure activities for all abilities. Peak District, Snowdonia, Lakes and overseas treks.
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre has a long history in providing skills and leadership based courses for various types of groups and individuals which introduces participants...
The Walking Dad is a keen fell walker and actively promotes his passion via podcasts on Facebook.
The Outdoor Guide (TOG) is an online resource set up by Julia Bradbury and sister Gina that aims to bring together information for walks all...
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, short walks that take place all across England. They’re designed to help you take the first step towards better health, wellbeing...
Our Mission: Facilitate self care by enabling people to escape to outdoor destinations, engaging in ‘green therapy’ collectively to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing.
As the National Centre, Plas y Brenin develops the people that develop the outdoor sector – from instructors to centre managers to expedition leaders to...
OutdoorLads is a friendly group of gay, bisexual and trans men who get together to enjoy adventures and activities. Our events are run by volunteers all over...
Ordnance Survey is the national mapping agency of the United Kingdom which covers the island of Great Britain.
The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get...
Mountains for the Mind is a new campaign from Trail magazine promoting the benefits of being outside. We believe in the power of the mountains...
With stunning landscapes and the most enlightened access laws in the world, Scotland is a unique and special place for mountain adventures, whether you enjoy...
The Mountain Training Associations is the support and development branch of Mountain Training. Its full members are walking leaders and climbing instructors who are committed...
We are a mental health charity offering immediate and accessible support through therapeutic outdoor experiences. We believe that time in nature, coupled with professional support...
We are a volunteer-led peer support walking group, offering a non-judgemental ear to people who have experienced mental health issues. Though our admin team, led...
Glenmore Lodge is ideally situated to deliver a full range of mountaineering activities. Their mountaineering department offer courses in the UK and abroad in climbing,...
Nordic Walking is an enhanced walking technique that uses poles to work your upper body as well as your legs. A fun and social activity,...
The British Mountaineering Council is the national representative body for England and Wales that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers,...
A Mountain Guide is someone with the IFMGA carnet, the highest qualification in the world for leading people in the mountains, whether skiing, climbing or...
Providing a safe space for Black women to explore the countryside with like minded individuals, with an emphasis on well-being and sisterhood.
Please feel free to contact us via e-mail if you have any questions on how to get started on your next adventure. We’re more than happy to help identify walks for you that will suit your level of experience, fitness and aims.