Gen-Z & Millennial Hiking Groups: The Rise of Inclusive Walking Communities
A New Generation Is Redefining Hiking in the UK
Hiking in the UK is changing — and it’s being led by Gen-Z and Millennials.
Gone are the stereotypes of hillwalking as a solitary, gear-heavy pursuit. Instead, younger walkers are embracing hiking as something social, inclusive, supportive, and good for mental wellbeing. Across TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, walking communities are forming around shared values: connection, accessibility, and confidence outdoors.
This shift is opening the mountains to people who may never have felt they “belonged” there before — and it’s changing how guided adventure companies (like us) support new outdoor communities.
Why Inclusive Hiking Groups Are Trending
Several cultural shifts are driving this rise in younger walking groups:
🌱 1. Mental Health & Wellbeing
Walking is increasingly seen as a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout. Younger generations are prioritising experiences that support mental wellbeing — and time in nature is high on that list.
Search trends for “hiking for mental health” and “walking groups UK” continue to rise, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s.
🤝 2. Community Over Competition
Rather than chasing speed records or summit “ticks,” many Gen-Z and Millennial walkers are looking for:
Shared experiences
Supportive group environments
Encouragement over comparison
A sense of belonging
Walking together removes pressure and builds confidence — especially for people new to mountains.
🧭 3. Accessibility & Confidence
Many younger walkers didn’t grow up with mountain experience. What they did grow up with is curiosity — but often without the skills, knowledge, or confidence to start safely.
Inclusive hiking groups lower barriers by:
Choosing approachable routes
Welcoming beginners
Removing judgement
Offering guidance and reassurance
This is where professional guides play a vital role.
📱 4. Social Media Is Changing How Walks Are Organised
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have transformed how people discover and join walks. Instead of formal clubs, people now find:
Casual meet-ups
Sunrise hikes
Photo-friendly walks
Social, chat-focused days out
But while social media inspires people to go outdoors, it doesn’t replace planning, safety, or experience — especially in mountain environments.
What Makes a Hiking Group Truly Inclusive?
Inclusive walking communities share a few core values:
✔ Clear communication
✔ No pressure to “keep up”
✔ Routes chosen for enjoyment, not ego
✔ Encouragement and reassurance
✔ Respect for different abilities
✔ Space to learn and ask questions
At Yonder Adventure Company, this approach is built into everything we do — whether it’s a first mountain walk or a more challenging day.
Why Guided Walks Work So Well for Younger Groups
For Gen-Z and Millennials especially, guided walks offer the perfect balance between independence and support.
🏔️ Expert Guidance Without Intimidation
Our guides remove the fear factor by:
Planning routes
Reading the weather
Managing group safety
Offering skills tips naturally along the way
This allows people to relax, chat, and enjoy the experience.
why book a guided walk - meet our guides
🌄 Social, Not Solitary
Guided walks create natural opportunities to connect:
Shared challenges
Conversations on the move
Breaks with views
Celebrating summits together
For many people, this is far more appealing than walking alone.
🧠 Learning Builds Confidence
Many younger walkers want to learn — not just follow. Guided days allow people to:
Pick up navigation tips
Understand weather decisions
Learn pacing and mountain judgement
Build confidence for future adventures
That confidence often leads to repeat bookings and progression.
navigation training, scrambling intro days, or progression routes.
Hiking as a Tool for Mental Health & Resetting
Younger generations are increasingly choosing experiences that help them disconnect from screens and reconnect with themselves.
Mountain walking offers:
Mental clarity
A sense of achievement
Fresh air and movement
Perspective
Time away from constant notifications
Many people tell us their guided walk felt like a reset — not just a hike.
Yonder Adventure Company: A Welcoming Space to Start
We work with:
First-time mountain walkers
Nervous beginners
Friendship groups
Younger professionals
Corporate teams
Social groups looking for something different
Our ethos is simple:
Everyone belongs in the mountains.
No judgement. No pressure. Just supportive, well-led adventures that help people feel comfortable and capable outdoors.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Walking Together
As we move toward 2026, inclusive hiking communities will only continue to grow. People are seeking connection, confidence, and experiences that feel meaningful — and the mountains offer all three.
Whether you’re:
New to walking
Looking to meet like-minded people
Wanting a supportive introduction to the mountains
Planning a group or team day out
We’d love to help you take that step.
👉 Explore Our Guided Walks
👉 Book a Group or Social Adventure
👉 Enquire About Bespoke Days for Friends or Teams
Let’s walk together — confidently, inclusively, and with purpose.
