Gen Z's hobbies are increasingly elderly-like

Driven by social media trends, the search for a healthier lifestyle, and the desire to make new friends, more and more young people are becoming passionate about trekking and walking in nature. This phenomenon is growing rapidly, especially in the United Kingdom, as reported by the Financial Times, where numerous hiking groups formed by millennials and Gen Z are redefining an activity traditionally associated with a more adult audience. One of the most popular communities is called Overground, and its events attract hundreds of young hikers. These trekking activities are often promoted directly on TikTok and Instagram, and they generally offer routes through nature but within a short distance from major cities. The events are held on weekends, and as the Financial Times points out, thanks to the growing number of young people identifying as “sober curious," early morning departures are no longer a challenge. The founder of Overground told the Financial Times that trekking helped him get through a difficult period in his life: after losing his job, experiencing bereavement, and going through a breakup, he started taking and then organizing walks around London. The first event attracted about forty people, while today, the number of participants can reach up to 500. The Active Lives report by the British organization Sport England revealed that hill or mountain walking is the fastest-growing activity among the 80+ sports analyzed in the study. As the report confirms, young people, particularly those aged 25 to 34, play a crucial role in this trend, as they are the most likely to practice hiking regularly.

Dykes Who Hike is also very active in this field, an inclusive walking group that specifically caters to the queer community. It was launched last year by two London-based women: «We wanted to explore the countryside and make new connections», says Lucy Cooper, one of the project's founders. The first trekking event they organized had over 50 young participants, while the second had more than 200, making it necessary to introduce a ticketing system to limit the number of attendees. Needless to say, spots for each walk sell out immediately after the announcement. The Adventure Girls Club has also experienced rapid growth. Founded by Alice Keegan, a former creative director at a London design agency, the group offers an alternative to traditional trekking, which is often perceived as overly competitive. «I love walking slowly, enjoying the scenery, and observing the nature around me», says Keegan, who has since become a certified mountain guide. Hiking may seem like an activity for the few, but the goal of walking groups is precisely to make it more accessible. The two founders of Soft Girls Who Hike describe their activities as “soft hiking,” referring to walks with a more relaxed approach and less focus on performance. «The goal is not to reach the destination as quickly as possible but to take your time and enjoy the surrounding environment», they explain.

Social media has played a crucial role in the spread of what are now called “walking groups.” On TikTok, the hashtag #hiking has gathered over 5 million posts: the phenomenon is booming, thanks also to videos dedicated to beginner hikers and viral clips showcasing breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, these initiatives are becoming increasingly popular among young people because these groups are now seen as safe places to socialize: «I've seen people meet [...] and form friendships, move in together, and plan trips», says the founder of Overground. «Although Gen Z is often labeled as the loneliest generation, more and more young people are trying to change this narrative», writes the magazine Refinery29. «Book clubs are experiencing a boom in memberships, running clubs have become a fixed presence on city streets, and now hiking is emerging as a new way to build relationships and make new friends».