Changing Footfall in the Hills

(My random musings and experience of a changing demographic in the hills)

There was a time when hills and mountains were perceived as being the preserve of strong men with beards. Sounds laughable now, but this was the image that was portrayed on the Munro Show way back in the early 90’s.  I loved that show and it quickly became a cult favourite with hill-walkers.  Its airing coincided with the start of my mountain journey.  Whilst bagging Munro’s, my female/male friends and I would rarely encounter other female walkers.  In fact, if we saw any at all, they were usually trailing in the wake of a strong and sturdy male, not necessarily with a beard. The age demographic was also different.  We had just reached our prime in our third decade and rarely witnessed anyone younger enjoying the benefits that Muriel Gray eloquently described as

‘Getting copious amounts of fresh air while gaining a greater understanding of the geography of our country’ 

This TV show and the follow up book, The first fifty, inspired many a Munro Bagger including myself.  It began to dispel the myth that mountains were just for the seasoned elite.  

I had a minor introduction to to the hills by my paternal grandfather and further by a friend who had an inspirational teacher take her class up the hills in a departure from usual outdoor trips,

It is fair to say that those who attended university tended to be more aware of the outdoors due to the existence of walking and climbing clubs within these institutions and in most cases, probably had the means to pursue what can be a very expensive sport due to the need for good quality clothing, footwear and technical gear, if also accessing the hills in winter.  The Munro show, however, with its prime time exposure, helped create awareness of an excellent hobby that, for many people had never felt within reach.

The pandemic, elicited another surge in interest for the hills.  People, fed up with being ‘locked down’ grasped the opportunity to walk when it was allowed and there was a very visible increase in people getting out and about.  How precisely that translated into a greater interest for more remote wandering is not for this informal blog but common sense and a little research suggests that local walking as restrictions were lifted, afforded people the opportunity to explore their new-found appreciation of nature, freedom and expansive views. Add in social media connections to that along with the measurable goal of munro bagging and ‘boom’ Gen z and the Millennials joined Gen x and Baby Boomers like me!

So it is now trendy to get up at daft a’clock, and head for the next mountain challenge!  Who would have thought it?  Wind back to the 80’s & 90’s. The traditional hill walker with their socks 🧦 tucked into their trousers and a big, colourful  woolly hat on their head was certainly not considered trendy!!  Even now, when  crossing heather for navigation practice and  despite being hyper-aware of the presence of ticks just waiting to pounce, I struggle to make myself get these socks tucked in and just hope no one is watching :-)

Now, I generally rise at even dafter a’clock to get up the hills before the younger generation catch up with me.  Their 20 or 30 something legs have springs in them so I need a head start as mine don’t!  This major mixing of generations has not been without its strife.  Facebook groups dedicated to walking the hills can become battlegrounds with swords drawn on either side.  Personally, I think it’s great although I can see both sides of the consternation. However, I think us more mature adventurers need to perhaps remember what we were like in our youth.  Actually, maybe we weren’t all the same but I certainly was a lot less risk averse.  I remember walking on the Cairngorm Plateau from Cairn Gorm to Ben McDui and back.  We had at least checked the weather so we knew we’d have visibility but neither a map nor compass was to be seen.  The leader of the day (you know who you are) did supremely well in getting us up, round and down unscathed if, sunburnt!  I recall that we then continued to a party back in Edinburgh that very evening.  The energy of youth!  This risk taking is what causes the clashes and unfortunately at the more extreme end, it results in additional call outs for our much appreciated  and probably underfunded Mountain Rescue Teams.

It is a thing though.  Young adults are naturally less risk-averse.  Apparently in brain development, their reward system matures faster than their impulse control.  They then, are more likely to seek out thrilling situations.  Thats probably why, when I was around 24 I thought it was a good idea to go for a swim in a fast moving river after consuming a fair bit of alcohol.  I got away with it but it could have easily gone the other way.

So what to do……….. let’s not quell youthful enthusiasm although it can go awry at times. We need to help channel that amazing energy, fitness and motivation.  Us older, more experienced hill walkers should be gently sharing advice without being over-critical.  When I was young I didn’t appreciate being lectured to.  I certainly think my Father will attest to that!  

A friend of mine, very recently had exactly the kind of interaction that, in my opinion, is required.  On the way back from a solo trip she encountered two young guys who seemed to be very curious about the massive difference in their rucksack size.  She was not judgemental. She just gently explained what was contained within hers……. spare clothing…….bothy shelter, water proofs etc etc.  These guys will probably now do a bit of research and the next time they venture out they’ll be better equipped than they were before. It’s all a learning process and we all have to go through it hopefully without any mishaps. The internet is full of information for those who choose to seek it out. It wasn’t so easy back in the day without it. The character below had ‘aw the gear an nae idea’.

The footfall in the hills has changed. Let’s embrace it, be nice to each other and learn from each other :-)