Gen Z & Millennials Embrace Trendy Walking Groups

The Unexpected Impact of Weekend Walks During the Pandemic

When you began sharing your weekend walks on Instagram during the pandemic, you may not have foreseen the impact it would create. Perhaps like Joel Moore, a 27-year-old civil engineer from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, you noticed that everyone was going for walks during the lockdown, but in isolation. The decision to post these walks online can lead to unexpected connections and grow into a community. This is how Moore co-founded Common Ground, a community-led walking group in 2022. The group quickly grew, attracting between 30 to 100 participants for each event, with Peak District walks being some of the most popular.

The Mental Health Benefits of Walking Groups

Walking is not just a physical activity; it also has mental health benefits. More people are realizing this, especially post-lockdown, as searches for local walking groups spike. In fact, 82% of people aged 18 to 34 believe going for walks is good for their mental health. This is supported by an Opinium survey of 2,000 people. These respondents were more likely to say so than over-55s. Furthermore, 73% of 18 to 34-year-olds believe that it’s easier to talk about mental health while out in nature, and that it helps combat loneliness.

Research suggests that walking groups could be a powerful tool in tackling Britain’s loneliness epidemic. According to the Office for National Statistics’ data, 25% of adults often or always feel lonely.

Walking Groups as a Social Connection

In the face of this loneliness epidemic, a new generation is rediscovering walking not just as a step-counting exercise but a way of connecting with others. From LGBTQ hiking collectives and women-led rambling clubs to WhatsApp-based meets, these groups offer a free or low-cost way to make social connections. Even larger organizations are noticing this trend. For instance, a Common Ground walk in Box Hill, Surrey, co-hosted with Southern Rail and the mental health charity Mind, quickly saw 200 free tickets snatched up within hours.

“Walking groups can help build social connections and social support,” said Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at Mind. “This can reduce loneliness, boost our self-esteem, and provide motivation.”

Reclaiming Walking as an Affordable Activity

The affordability and accessibility of walking also add to its appeal. You can walk out of your front door, and you can make it as cheap or expensive as you want, suggests Moore. Hannah da Silva, founder of Gorp Girls, a women-only hiking group, noticed the popularity of outdoor activities on the rise but also recognized the lack of spaces for women. In response, she created a space where women could come together in the outdoors, with the group now regularly departing from London Victoria to different hiking spots across the country.

“Community is really important for Gen Z and millennials. People are looking for ways to escape city life,” Da Silva noted.

Walking Groups: From Lockdown Hobby to Social Movement

With the demand for walking groups on the rise and their numbers growing, what started as a lockdown hobby is quickly becoming a social movement. Prominent figures such as Angie Doll, the CEO of Southern Rail’s parent company, Govia Thameslink Railway, are noticing this trend: “At a time when more people than ever are experiencing mental health problems, we want to shine a light on the importance of clearing your mind and resetting in nature via the rail network. Walking groups offer the perfect opportunity to form new connections and get into the great outdoors,” she said.