Fancy a Walk, Mate?

Boom Buddy dad, Simon from the Hilltop Family, shares his experiences of hikes with Fancy a Walk Mate.

Ten miles of incredible views, respect, and laughter.

As a busy working parent to two lively young children, life can be full of both adventure and commitment. And although I love spending time with my amazing family, it’s important to find some time for myself, too. In recent years, I’ve discovered a great hiking group through Facebook called Fancy a Walk Mate which has brought a new sense of adventure into those times away from the family.

The ethos of the group is built around nature, men’s mental health, mindfulness and friendship. At first, I doubted whether this would be right for me. I wasn’t used to words like mindfulness and my time away from the family was often a night out with the lads. But ever since my first hike with the group, it’s re-opened my eyes to the beautiful countryside our nation has to offer and has led me to respect and champion new experiences and friendships. 

“This is an opportunity to spend some time out in nature with a group of good, honest mates. Where there is no judgment, no pressure or expectations, and where our egos are not required…This is your space and time to embrace the outdoors, enjoy the views, enjoy the challenge, and to honour yourself and the man next to you along the way.”

-       James Moon. Founder of Fancy a Walk Mate

Our latest hike was to Kinder Scout, the highest point of the Peak District. Arriving to a portable campfire, coffee, sausage cobs, fourteen guys, a dog, and a crisp clear blue sky, it immediately felt like it was going to be a great day. As we began walking along the Pennine Way, it was effortless to catch up with mates from previous hikes, and to chat to new members, about life, family, work, football… any topic at all.

By the time we reached Jacob’s Ladder, the snow and ice along these old steps was clear to see, and reaching the top provided fantastic views of Manchester in the distance. There was an amazing sense of scale. To see such a big city, and all of the countryside around and beyond it, was quite inspiring. 

After the trig point and the view around Kinder Downfall, we followed the three-mile trek across snow covered moorland, as the soft earth rose and fell every few metres, and the landscape looked like something from a distant planet in a sci-fi movie. Although slow going, it was a fun and refreshing part of our walk, with a lot of laughter as we played the lottery of who would be next to fall knee deep into mud on the heavy downstep, before being helped back up by their mates. [But with that, a note of caution. The area often receives callouts to Mountain Rescue, especially in bad weather, so the right kit and safety precautions are essential.]

Finally, we reached Grindlow Knoll, with stunning views of the famous Mam Tor and the surrounding countryside. It was a slow and careful icy descent back into Edale as the sun came down, and as we gathered together at the end of our hike, each of us with a feeling of accomplishment, I was already looking forward to our next adventure.

Find FancyAWalkMate on Facebook

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Most hikes take place in the Peak District