A weekend hiking trip offers the perfect opportunity to escape your everyday routine and immerse yourself in nature. But if you’re venturing out on your own or with a group, you might find moments of downtime or long stretches that feel a bit quiet.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, knowledge, or just a bit of fun, there are plenty of ways to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Geocaching
If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous way to keep busy on your hike, geocaching is the perfect activity. Think of it as a real-world treasure hunt, where you use GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” placed by others in the area. These caches can contain small trinkets or even just a logbook where you can leave a message. You’ll often find them in woodlands and along popular trails, making it a great addition to any hike.
Geocaching can turn an ordinary walk into an exciting treasure hunt. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment, as most smartphones come with apps that help you find nearby caches.
Audio entertainment
Whether you’re hiking solo or with others, music can be a godsend. Create a playlist filled with your favourite tunes to help you along the trail.
Alternatively, you can queue a selection of your favourite podcasts. From thrilling true-crime stories to educational series or funny comedy shows, there’s something for every interest. Listening to one makes the time go by quickly and make the walk feel more enjoyable.
Games and books
When you take a break from the trail, it’s a good time to pull out some lightweight entertainment. For groups, card games like Uno are a great portable option, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you play. They require little space, making them perfect for trips like this.
If you prefer solo entertainment, wordsearches or adult colouring books are ideal for winding down at your campsite or accommodation. As the evening goes on, you might want to play a few rounds of bingo before heading to bed.
Wildlife spotting
One of the best parts of hiking is the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Take your camera or smartphone along and start scanning your surroundings. You’ll be surprised by how much you can spot when you take a moment to really look around.
Several apps make wildlife spotting even more enjoyable, offering the chance to identify plants and animals, along with fun facts about each species.
Create a quiz
If you’re with a group, a quiz can be a great way to keep things interesting. As you walk along the trail, take turns answering trivia questions on various topics. Consider including rounds dedicated to history, geography, pop culture and more.
You could even think of forfeits, where wrong answers lead to fun challenges or dares that keep everyone engaged. For a more competitive twist, keep track of who gets the most answers right, and at the end of the hike, award a small prize to the winner.
