Discovering liberation from urban constraints, these hikers forge camaraderie on nature trails, aided by one of the globe's leading hiking corporations
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the AKA community, an outdoors charity dedicated to fostering friendships and reducing stress in the wilderness, recently embarked on an expedition to conquer Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. This endeavour was supported by Helly Hansen as part of their Open Mountain Month, with the charity's members equipped with top-of-the-line gear to tackle the challenging conditions.
The founders of AKA, Antwon, Kevin, and Anton, strive to break barriers on the trails, creating a sense of community that transcends ordinary social circles. According to Anton, human connections within the community are of utmost importance. Removing barriers in the outdoors allows individuals to realise their shared humanity.
Research supports the mental health benefits of outdoor activities. A University of Essex study found that just five minutes of physical activity in a natural environment can improve mood and self-esteem. Exposure to nature lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, promoting feelings of happiness and calm.
Spending time in nature also rejuvenates cognitive abilities such as attention and concentration, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Social connections, a key aspect of outdoor activities, are vital for emotional well-being and create lasting positive memories. Exercise during outdoor activities promotes restful sleep, essential for maintaining mental health.
A 2024 survey found that 37% of participants saw improvements to their mental well-being after spending time in nature, aligning with these findings. AKA aims to help city-dwellers of all ages and backgrounds participate in outdoor activities without breaking the bank.
The AKA charity's Ben Nevis expedition was a resounding success, reinforcing the sense of community and shared humanity among its members. The group was led by expert mountain guides Jim from Assynt Mountain Rescue and part-time guide Andy. Jim was accompanied by mountain rescue dog Abhaiin, trained to locate missing trekkers and items of clothing from over 1,000ft away.
The new Ascender Mid Helly Tech hiking boots provided by Helly Hansen proved to be comfortable and flexible during the trek, helping the members navigate the challenging terrain. Despite the demanding climb, one hiker struggled due to a lack of mountain experience, experiencing tired legs and a tight chest.
Friendships were formed within the AKA community during the expedition, as people from diverse backgrounds came together to support each other in their shared quest for adventure and mental well-being. Access to the wilderness isn't a privilege everyone can enjoy due to financial barriers and lack of transportation, making initiatives like AKA all the more crucial.
As the AKA community continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the power of nature and human connection in promoting mental well-being. AKA provides guidance and transport to help eager trekkers get to the countryside for regular community hikes and other outdoor activities, opening up a world of possibilities for those seeking to escape the stresses of everyday life.
In light of the mental health benefits derived from outdoor activities, the AKA community, with its focus on fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and mental-health, continues to grow as it facilitates city-dwellers' participation in such activities, thereby fostering friendships and reducing stress in the wilderness, much like their expedition on Ben Nevis. As research suggests, spending time in nature not only rejuvenates cognitive abilities but also improves mood, self-esteem, and decreases stress hormones, all contributing to overall well-being.
