TaffShowcase

I picked up a water bottle featuring icons of 50 famous UK hikes. Every time I complete a hike, I get to stick a new one on the bottle, adding a splash of color and a sense of achievement! To keep myself accountable and share the journey, I’ve also started a YouTube channel as a video diary, alongside this blog. Looking forward to hitting the trails and sharing the adventures!

Here’s a little video introduction to what I have in mind and a bit about the bottle itself, but basically… my main goal is to complete all 50 hikes. Taking it one step at a time. I’m hoping that writing about and recording each hike will keep me motivated along the way!

The aquaproofs website offers a list of the hikes along with OS map routes. But I’m planning to stay pretty flexible, especially since some of the hikes in Wales and Scotland will involve quite a bit of travel. I might bundle nearby hikes together or extend shorter ones to make the most of each trip.

There’s no rush to finish this challenge I’ll do it whenever work, weather, and life allow. Some hikes might require me to do a bit of training beforehand to stay physically prepared, and I definitely won’t be taking any unnecessary risks.

My first hike was to Kinder Scout, mainly because it was nearby and I’d never been there before. I wanted to challenge myself and relearn my navigation skills, so I got out my OS Map, started planning, and spent a good while folding (and refolding) until I was happy with the route.

Once ready, I caught the train to Edale station and set off on my adventure.

The route kicked off right at the start of the full Pennine Way (which stretches a full-on 268 miles) I followed it along and up Jacob’s Ladder. The valley below was stunning, but the climb was pretty tough; halfway up, I accidentally spilled half my water bottle, which on a 20C day was NOT ideal.

As I continued along the ridgeline of Kinder Scout plateau, I was treated to incredible close-up views of the fascinating rock formations like Edale Rocks, the Woolpacks, Salt Cellar, and Pym Chair. But Kinder Scout isn’t just beautiful; it’s also steeped in history. Back in April 1932, over 400 walkers from Sheffield and Manchester staged the Mass Trespass, challenging the restrictions on public access. The gamekeepers of the Duke of Devonshire tried to stop them, a fight broke out, and six leaders were arrested with five even jailed just for walking on the estate. This outcry helped lead to greater access rights for the public, which is why we can all enjoy these routes today, and it played a part in the creation of the National Parks.

The hike was tough, breathtaking, and at times a bit frustrating (forgetting my hat, running out of water, and people leaving litter behind at the landmarks.) But Kinder Scout felt timeless, both a destination and a symbol of the freedom fought for by those who love Britain’s wild places. Sitting atop the rocks and placing a sticker to mark my achievement, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the combination of sweat, history, and scenery made this day truly unforgettable.