When I was organising group hikes in Western Australia, I often asked, “what inspired you to come along?”. I mean, it’s pretty gutsy rocking up to a trail and walking with a group of people you don’t know. Most people, especially women, said one of two things: they didn’t have anyone to hike with, and: they felt safer on the trails with others. Part of why I was inspired to bring women together to hike was the social factor—it’s freakin’ fun! Secondly, I hoped the more people ventured on the trails, the greater their confidence grew.

This space here is a collection of guides, tips on hiking, trails in WA, and a bunch of nature inspiration. I hope it provides you with plenty of nature goodness to trek solo, or find local groups.

Here’s some tips to make hiking easier for you!

1. Find other hikers

We recommend you don’t wait for people to go – ask around or post on social media. You may be surprised how others want to go with you. Organise a time to meet and commit.

2. Bushwalking trail tips by Explore Parks WA

According to Explore Parks WA, it is advised that you carry a personal location beacon (PLB) – in case you need to be rescued. They also recommend hiking in groups of 2-3 people for safety.

Read more: Bushwalking

3. Take plenty of water

We know this seems like an obvious one but we are always surprised how often people go hiking without water. You may not feel thirsty while hiking (this does happen) but perhaps signs of dehydration will occur after the hike. Stay hydrated for better recovery and brain function.

4. Wear suitable shoes or boots

Ensure your footwear is grippy and suitable for hiking and outdoor terrain. This can make all the difference in how you move and give you confidence in hiking.

5. Share your location

Another tip for Iphone users is to share your location with someone you trust. You can do this by going into your messages and selecting “Share location” and you can turn it off when you are finished.

The Beginners Guide To Getting In Shape For Hiking.

This beginners guide provides you with 12 simple and effective lifestyle habits that can assist you in getting into shape for hiking. The bonus? These habits can be utilised for long-term wellbeing, fitness and energy!

The healing power of hiking and nature.

Trekking the great outdoors is more than just visually stimulating.

Walking in nature is an opportunity for us to listen to our soul, tune in to our body, and refresh our mind.

As the world progresses (or appears to) with technology, urban surroundings, and fast-paced living, we may sometimes feel overwhelmed. Society has glorified our overachieving, busy lifestyles, and now we are experiencing stress, burnout, and chronic health problems as a result.

There are many reasons why nature is healing. Walking outdoors can reveal areas in our life that we have neglected and need our attention. We may find an answer we’ve been seeking but were unable to hear through our busyness. It may be as simple as refreshing your entire being with a much-needed boost of joy. The beautiful thing about nature is: we can all receive something uniquely beneficial to our lives.

SUSTAINABLE, CONSCIOUS AND ECO-FRIENDLY

We support shopping local, secondhand and purchasing from eco-conscious, ethical traders/retailers to minimise waste and unethical trade. We also promote mental wellbeing and inner happiness outside of the materialistic world.

The Impact of The Fashion Industry On Our Planet

Watch: The True Cost 

The True Cost on Netflix is an eye-opening and educational documentary on the fashion world. We don’t often think about where our clothes come from and the conditions they are made under. Seeing the process of clothing production can really deepen the appreciation for what we wear. But also make us aware of what is going on in the world so we can choose wisely and respectfully.

Don’t worry, I lurvvvve clothing and style. So, this isn’t an anti-fashion protest! Bringing awareness to eco-friendly consumption is about taking care of our earth for generations to come. This is really important in a time where social media is prevalent and an underlying message is “more, more, more.”

Being conscious about what we wear, where we shop and our spending habits – can also be positive to our mental wellness and inner happiness. Seeking internal joy through adventure, connection and intentional purchases means less clutter mentally and physically. And more freedom!

Minimalism

• Avoid instant gratification through purchases
• Dispose of waste correctly (i.e recycle)
• Sell clothing at the markets or donate to an op-shop
• Take care of what you already have (sometimes you can fall in love with things over and over again!)
• Be present more often – helps with being conscious of what you bring into the home
• Watch “Tidying Up” on Netflix for some cool #organisationhacks and tips!

ENVIRONMENTALY FRIENDLY TIPS FOR THE TRAILS

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

• Respect Wildlife
• Do not feed wildlife
• Do not touch, capture or follow wildlife
• Research the do’s and don’ts for your specific area ahead of time
• Check out the government and council websites for your local area
• Dispose of litter properly
• Take waste with you if there are no bins

For hiking in Australia’s West: