The owner of a Sheffield-based hiking group has seen the immense impact its had on the lives of its members.
Aimee Beaufort, a former Sheffield student, set up the Another Hiking Collective group in 2023 to combat loneliness and improve mental wellbeing. The group’s inception saw 100 members join. A year later, it sits with a following of 8,000.
Aimee said: “Sometimes its overwhelming and stressful trying to plan a trip but it makes it so worthwhile when I get to the day and see everyone smiling and coming together.
“It’s my favourite part of it all. I find it so rewarding that now I get to watch connections form and also watch people visit new places.”
It is not only Miss Beaufort that has noticed the significant impact of the hikes. Its members have also noticed the great impact that the hikes have had.
Kerys, 33, a Chester-based retail manager and regular hiker with the group said: “I love how inclusive the group is, we now do level walks as well as big mountains – people from all over the UK travel just to join together, enjoy the outdoors and make friends – it’s wonderful.
“The best thing about the group is the people – I’ve met some of the greatest friends I’ve had in my adult life.”
In a study conducted by the Sheffield City Council, it was found that 138,000 children, young people and adults in the city will struggle with a mental health problem each year. This was key in Aimee’s decision to set up the group.
She said: “To know that a hike has given someone the space to meet new people while getting outdoors and having that benefit on their mental wellbeing makes me so happy.”
Another Hiking Collective plans to expand their group beyond hiking, with a book club, fitness club and wellbeing events in the pipeline.
Aimee said: “Another Hiking Collective has grown into a community where people are meeting up and arranging their own hikes across the UK now and I hope this continues.
“I’d love to see Another Hiking Collective go from strength to strength and be able to take it to more places across the UK to build our ever growing community.”
You can find out more about the group and join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/263583369748627/
