{"id":22018,"date":"2026-04-08T14:47:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:53:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:53:57","slug":"social-health-and-the-loneliness-epidemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/social-health-and-the-loneliness-epidemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Health and the Loneliness Epidemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_c71dca01307e1dd8e8e1e6e32a9390f0\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/walking\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/uk-hiking\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSocial Health and the Loneliness Epidemic\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-150x150.jpg\" class=\"avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:29+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">April 8, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t7 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1892\" height=\"743\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"Social Health Hero Image - Two girls laughing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic.jpg 1892w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic-768x302.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic-1536x603.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social-health-and-loneliness-epidemic-1376x540.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1892px) 100vw, 1892px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_dfe33dee49dba1608907ba1bb0dde547\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-hiking-groups-can-boost-physical-health-mental-wellbeing-and-importantly-social-health\">How hiking groups can boost physical health, mental wellbeing and importantly, social health. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We often think of health in terms of exercise, diet and sleep, or mental wellbeing and resilience. But there is another pillar of health that is easy to overlook. Our social health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social health is about our relationships and how connected we feel to others. As loneliness rises across all age groups, this part of wellbeing is increasingly under strain. Many now describe this as a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Loneliness_epidemic#:~:text=The%20loneliness%20epidemic%20is%20a,of%20loneliness%20and%20social%20isolation.\">loneliness epidemic<\/a>, with real consequences for both mental and physical health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kasleykillam.com\/social-health-book\">Kasley Killam<\/a>, social health expert and author, explains that even the healthiest routines can fall short without meaningful connection. Watching her <a href=\"https:\/\/socialhealth.substack.com\/p\/my-ted-talk-on-social-health-is-live\">TED Talk <\/a>highlighted how simple, shared activities can help rebuild that sense of belonging. Walking together, talking side by side and spending time outdoors may seem small, but <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/adventure-hiking-groups-for-women\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"16693\">hiking groups<\/a> bring together connection, movement and purpose in a way that directly supports social health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_30.jpg\" alt=\"a group of young hikers on a cliff\" class=\"wp-image-22078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_30.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_30-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_30-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br>In this article we\u2019ll explore more of Killam&#8217;s work, the 5 &#8211; 3 &#8211; 1 principle and how hiking groups could be the perfect solution to boosting your social health. Walking supports the body, time outdoors supports the mind and shared experiences help relationships grow. Combined, these ingredients play an important role in long\u2011term happiness and longevity for people of all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/osmaps\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"303\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/world_2.png\" alt=\"get real get os maps\" class=\"wp-image-22093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/world_2.png 303w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/world_2-227x300.png 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"osmroute\">\r\n\t<h2><span>PLAN ROUTES<br>FIND ADVENTURES<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\t<p class=\"desktoponly\">Discover ready-made routes nearby or create your own<\/p>\r\n\t<p><a class=\"osmroutebutton\" href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/find-routes\" target=\"_blank\">Open OS Maps<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.osmroute {\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/os-maps-banner-02.jpg);\r\n\t\tbackground-size: cover;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tborder-radius: 25px;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 20px;\r\n\t\tpadding: 20px 10%;\r\n\t\tdisplay: flex;\r\n\t\tflex-direction: column;\r\n\t\tjustify-content: center;\r\n\t\tcolor: black;\r\n\t\ttext-align: center;\r\n\t}  \r\n\t.osmroute h2 {\r\n\t\ttext-transform: uppercase;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0.25em;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.desktoponly {\r\n    \tdisplay: none;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.osmroutebutton {\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F60259;\r\n\t\tcolor: white!important;\r\n\t\ttext-decoration: none;\r\n\t\tborder: 2px solid #F60259;\r\n\t\tborder-radius: 25px;\r\n\t\tpadding: 8px 16px;\r\n\t\tmargin-top: 1em;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.osmroutebutton:hover {\r\n\t\tborder: 2px solid #670125;\r\n\t\tcolor: white;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media screen and (min-width: 800px) {\r\n\t\t.desktoponly {\r\n    \t\tdisplay: block;\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n\t  \r\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-social-health-and-why-does-it-matter\">What is social health and why does it matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In her research, Killam describes social health as the quality and quantity of our relationships. It is about feeling connected to family, friends, neighbours and community. It is also about feeling that you belong. She points out that \u201cwe can\u2019t be fully healthy if we take care of our bodies and our minds, but not our relationships\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social health is not a \u201cnice to have\u201d. Chronic loneliness and disconnection are linked to increased stress, poorer immune function and higher risk of long\u2011term illness. Research has shown that connection supports longevity, motivation and emotional balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-lonely-stressed-woman-.jpg\" alt=\"a lonely stressed woman\" class=\"wp-image-22091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-lonely-stressed-woman-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-lonely-stressed-woman--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-lonely-stressed-woman--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-modern-life-makes-social-health-harder\">Why modern life makes social health harder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of us live in ways that unintentionally reduce everyday connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working remotely can limit casual interaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving for work or family can break established social circles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Busy schedules squeeze out time for friendships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital communication replaces face\u2011to\u2011face contact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_10-edited.jpg\" alt=\"friends running outside on a hike\" class=\"wp-image-22086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_10-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_10-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_10-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loneliness is not just an issue for older people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Loneliness is often framed as something that affects older adults, but evidence shows it is increasingly common among younger people too. Students, people in their twenties and thirties, and those early in their careers often report feeling disconnected, despite being constantly \u201cin touch\u201d online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social health challenges can show up at any life stage. Kasley Killam highlights that disconnection is not about how many people you know, but whether your relationships provide a sense of belonging and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The role of social media in modern disconnection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For many younger adults, social media has become a substitute for face\u2011to\u2011face connection. While it can help people stay in contact, it doesn&#8217;t always meet the deeper need for shared experience and presence. Scrolling, messaging and reacting can give the impression of connection without the emotional benefits that come from spending time together. Over time, this can leave people feeling isolated, anxious or left out, even when they appear socially active online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one reason why real\u2011world activities, like joining a hiking group, can feel so restorative. Walking with others creates space for conversation without screens, comparison or performance. The focus shifts from how you present yourself to simply moving together through a landscape, at a human pace. Hiking groups are no longer just for retirees either &#8211; there <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_29.jpg\" alt=\"friends in the outdoors\" class=\"wp-image-22080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_29.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_29-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_29-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kasley-killam-on-social-health-and-connection\">Kasley Killam on social health and connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-social-health-is-about-our-relationships\">\u201cSocial health is about our relationships\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Killam argues that social health deserves the same attention as physical and mental wellbeing. It is not about being popular or constantly social. It is about having the right level of connection for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connection looks different at different life stages. A student in halls, a new parent and someone in retirement will all face different social health challenges. In her book, Killam offers a practical framework for strengthening social health. <strong>The 5-3-1 Guideline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_37143d5e142865d9a76bd09b8faad7b1\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the 5\u20113\u20111 guideline?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>5\u20113\u20111 guideline<\/strong> is a simple framework for improving social health through regular, meaningful connection.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>5<\/strong> &#8211; Interact with <strong>five different people each week<\/strong><br \/>\nThis can include friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances or people you have just met. Variety matters, even brief, everyday interactions count.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>3<\/strong> &#8211; Nurture <strong>at least three close relationships<\/strong><br \/>\nFocus on the people you trust and feel most yourself with. Strengthen these connections by making plans with them, listening and sharing openly.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>1<\/strong> &#8211; Spend <strong>around one hour a day<\/strong> on meaningful connection<br \/>\nThis does not have to happen all at once or always in person. Walking together, talking, calling or even writing a letter or card.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_16-edited.jpg\" alt=\"people on a ridge hiking in the sunshine\" class=\"wp-image-22088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_16-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_16-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_16-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How walking and hiking groups fit the 5\u20113\u20111 guideline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 5\u20113\u20111 guideline offers a simple way to think about social health. Walking and hiking groups support all three parts of it, whether you are meeting new people or spending time with friends you already know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Five people a week<\/strong><br>Group walks make it easy to interact with a range of people in a single setting. You might chat briefly with one person, walk alongside another for a while, or exchange a few words at the start or end of the route. These small interactions still count. Even light, everyday social contact can improve mood and increase a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Three close relationships<\/strong><br>Regular walks also create space to strengthen existing friendships. Suggesting a short walk instead of another message in a group chat can help turn online connection into real life time together. Walking side by side often makes conversation feel easier and more open, especially for friends who struggle to find time to meet. Over time, these shared routines help deepen trust and familiarity without needing to plan anything elaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One hour a day of meaningful connection<\/strong><br>A walk can easily last an hour or more, meaning it contributes significantly to daily connection time without adding extra commitments. Whether it is a weekly group hike or a regular walk with friends, you are combining movement and social time rather than trying to fit both in separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using walking as a reason to meet, walking and hiking groups make the 5\u20113\u20111 guideline practical. They help you stay socially connected, strengthen friendships and build meaningful time with others into everyday life. As we say at ordnance Survey &#8211; it&#8217;s time to get real!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/get-real-roundle.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/get-real-roundle.png 302w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/get-real-roundle-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/get-real-roundle-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_3-edited.jpg\" alt=\"friends in the car selfie\" class=\"wp-image-22082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_3-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_3-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_3-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/os-spring-2026os_wu4s_selected_3-edited-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-started-with-a-local-hiking-group\">Getting started with a local hiking group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to find the right walking group for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start with a simple search<\/strong><br>Begin with Google or ask on your local Facebook page. Something as straightforward as <em>\u201clocal walking groups near me\u201d<\/em> is often enough to uncover options you didn&#8217;t know existed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Refine your choices<\/strong><br>Some groups will immediately appeal, while others may not feel like the right fit. Take a little time to read any reviews or comments where you can. Remember, not every walking group has a polished website or a marketing expert behind it. A simple Facebook group or noticeboard listing can be just as welcoming. If you are unsure, message or call the organisers in advance to ask a few questions and see how it feels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start small and build confidence<\/strong><br>Look for shorter, beginner or moderate walks to begin with. Routes are usually shared in advance, giving you time to decide if they suit you. Tools like OS Maps can help you check distance, elevation and terrain so there are no surprises on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choose walks in your comfort zone<\/strong><br>Pay attention to walk length, pace and terrain. Starting with something that feels manageable makes it easier to relax and enjoy the social side. This is about making connections, not ticking off summits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let the leader know you are new<\/strong><br>Most groups are used to welcoming newcomers and will be happy to help you settle in. Many have online forums or contact details where you can introduce yourself beforehand and ask what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_407db0a2011bcd34c9f49ddf1d263af4\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/benefits-of-joining-a-group\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tRead More: The Benefits of Joining a Group\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/25-science-backed-benefits-of-hiking\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t25 Science\u2011Backed Benefits of Hiking (and How to Start)\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" height=\"509\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/its-time-we-got-outside.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/its-time-we-got-outside.png 509w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/its-time-we-got-outside-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/its-time-we-got-outside-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-social-health-grows-through-shared-experience\">Social health grows through shared experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Killam encourages us to be proactive and intentional about connection. Not in a forced way, but in a steady, human one. Joining a local hiking group will not fix everything overnight. But showing up, walking alongside others and being part of something regular can gently rebuild what modern life often erodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A note on getting extra support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking with others can help support social health, but it is not a substitute for professional care. If you are feeling very low, overwhelmed or struggling to cope, it is important to seek support from a health professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start by speaking to your GP, or by contacting <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/guided-entry\/mental-health-help\">NHS 111<\/a><\/strong> for mental health advice if you are unsure where to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to talk to someone right now, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/how-we-can-help\/contact-samaritan\/\"><strong>Samaritans<\/strong> <\/a>are available 24 hours a day on <strong>116 123<\/strong>, free from any phone in the UK. You do not have to be in crisis to call. Reaching out for help is a positive step, and support is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/community-life-survey-202425-annual-publication\/community-life-survey-202425-loneliness-and-support-networks\">Office for National Statistics \u2013 Community Life Survey (loneliness and age)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhealth.org.uk\/our-work\/public-engagement\/unlock-loneliness\/loneliness-young-people-research-briefing\">Mental Health Foundation \u2013 Loneliness in young people<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/news\/social-media-and-loneliness\">King\u2019s College London \u2013 Social media use and loneliness in young adults<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kasleykillam.com\/social-health-book\">Kasley Killam \u2013 <em>The Art and Science of Connection<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_a36cccb30abbb602ce3d337ee4de9e0f\" class=\"GuidesArticles  wave-peach pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"GuidesArticlesBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/25-science-backed-benefits-of-hiking\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/why-hike.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"3 girls on a hike with phone\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/why-hike.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/why-hike-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/why-hike-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/why-hike-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/uk-hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t25 Science\u2011Backed Benefits of Hiking (and How to Start)\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 6, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe share 25 RESEARCH BACKED benefits of hiking for heart, mind and wellbeing, plus easy tips, kit basics and how OS Maps can help you get outside.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/adventure-hiking-groups-for-women\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/female-adventure-groups.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"Group of women on a walk image taken from behind\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/female-adventure-groups.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/female-adventure-groups-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/female-adventure-groups-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/female-adventure-groups-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/walking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/uk-hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/cycling\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/women-outdoors\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWomen Outdoors\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/swimming\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSwimming\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/safety\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSafety\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/off-road-cycling\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOff-road cycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/water-sports\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWater sports\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/outdoor-skills\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOutdoor skills\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/road-cycling\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRoad cycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/climbing-and-mountaineering\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClimbing and mountaineering\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA List of Women&#8217;s Adventure &amp; Hiking Groups to Join in the UK\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 18, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA list of UK female only adventure and hiking groups &#8211; the best place to start to build outdoor confidence.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/how-joining-a-women-only-group-can-help-you-get-outside-and-meet-others\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adventure-queens.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"adventure queens group shot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adventure-queens.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adventure-queens-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adventure-queens-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adventure-queens-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/women-outdoors\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWomen Outdoors\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/natasha-sones\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNatasha Sones\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow joining a women-only group can help you get outside and meet others\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 1, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOS Champion Natasha Sones talks about the benefits of joining a female only group to build confidence in the outdoors\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"04c273a2d5\" data-postid=\"22018\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">0<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"140\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg\" class=\"MetaShareAuthor__avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-263x300.jpg 263w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-897x1024.jpg 897w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-768x877.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-946x1080.jpg 946w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 140px) 100vw, 140px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Meet Hilary, Editor of <em>Get Outside &#8211; the Ordnance Survey Blog<\/em>. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nearlyuphill\/\">@nearlyuphill<\/a> and read her guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/nearlyuphill.co.uk\/\">walking in North Wales<\/a> on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understand the vital role of social health for a happy life and how Hiking Groups with the 5-3-1 approach can help combat loneliness<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"activities":[90,14,16],"locations":[17],"class_list":["post-22018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","activities-uk-hiking","activities-walking","activities-wellbeing","locations-all-of-great-britain"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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