Long-distance walking, as a form of exercise, is hardly revolutionising. However, this simple activity has been rapidly growing in popularity, not just in the UK but across the world. So much so, it’s considered to be one of the biggest fitness trends today, alongside reformer Pilates and Hyrox training. What has changed?
The rise of walking challenges
One of the major influences behind this peak of interest in long-distance walking is believed to be the Covid-19 pandemic. In times when people were stuck at home and gym doors were firmly shut for nearly a year, the available forms of exercise were limited.
Going for a walk outdoors was the highlight of our days and so many chose to extend it as long as possible. Walking challenges, such as 10k steps a day, became a common undertaking too. But, as the pandemic came to an end, walkers have recognised the incredible benefits of this exercise for their bodies and mental wellbeing, maintaining the habit.
Now that travelling is back to normal, people are also choosing to spend their holidays walking. For example, the Camino de Santiago network of pilgrimage routes in Spain dates back to ancient times but, it wasn’t until the last few years that it started truly gaining traction. The most popular of the routes, Camino Frances, sees a whopping 240 thousand walkers each year, followed by Camino Portugues with approximately 95 thousand, Camino Inglés 28 thousand, Camino Primitivo 24 thousand, Camino del Norte 21 thousand and Vía de la Plata nearly 10 thousand.
Besides the Camino, holiday-goers can opt for walking holidays in numerous other destinations, whether it’s locally here in England or in the exotic Azores. Dedicated travel agencies are there to oversee the journey and plan the itinerary, making it no more difficult than booking an all-inclusive holiday.
The appeal behind long-distance walking
Across the fitness industry, walking stands out with one key difference: it’s low impact, but high reward. The trend behind long-distance walks fits neatly into the growing shift towards sustainable, feel-good exercise rather than punishing regimes.
For many, the idea of walking tens of kilometers across beautiful nature is a more thrilling challenge than running half the distance. Regardless, it’s an effective exercise, known for its amazing health benefits, including stronger bones and muscles, cardiovascular fitness, increased energy levels and improved sleep.
However, walkers return home with far more than just a step count. They bring back a sense of achievement and a reset of mind. The slower pace of this exercise leaves plenty of time for deeper reflections, while taking a break from screen time. In fact, the aforementioned Camino de Santiago is known to be highly motivated by spiritual and religious reasons, as many pilgrims report transforming effects on their mental health.
A new stride for fitness
While the current hype around long-distance walking may slowly die down, this form of exercise has earnt its worthy place in the world of fitness. Its simplicity and the ability to appeal to a wider audience, young or senior, physically active or not, is what drove this unexpected trend all along.
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