Spoiler: I lost more than just trail time by skipping my annual hike.
For the last 10+ years, I’ve made it a non-negotiable to head out on at least one multi-day hike, often more. It’s my version of a reset button — long trails, early mornings, tired legs, fresh mountain air, and the kind of quiet you can only find when you’re far from everything.
Usually, I spend at least a few days (if not weeks) on the trail every year. But this year? I didn’t.
Why I Skipped My Annual Hike
2025 threw me a curveball in the form of acute plantar fasciitis — ithe kind that doesn’t go away, despite foam rolling, exercises, TENS machine, seeing an osteopath, resting, etc. If you’ve had it, you know.
It meant shorter hikes, more recovery days, and the hard decision to skip my usual long-distance treks.
- No multi-day escapes.
- No challenging peaks.
- Much less time in nature overall.
- And pain for days afterwards when I did push myself
And honestly? I felt it.
The Unexpected Consequences of Not Doing an Annual Hike
I didn’t just miss the trails. I missed myself.
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My mood dipped more easily.
- I felt tired more often.
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My productivity plummented.
- I had fewer creative ideas and “aha” moments.
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I struggled to concentrate and stay focused.
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Everything required more effort.
It was like trying to function without charging my internal battery.
That’s when I realized something I already “knew,” but hadn’t truly understood until it was missing:
Nature doesn’t just give us memories — it gives us capacity.
It gives us the mental space to think clearly. The physical outlet to shake off stress. The emotional clarity to remember what actually matters.
Research shows that regular exposure to natural environments — including forests, mountains, and trails — is associated with improved mental health, better cognitive function, reduced stress, and enhanced mood.
Reclaiming the Power of the Trail in 2026
As we head into 2026, my intention isn’t to cram in more.
It’s to heal my plantar fasciitis and choose better — to be more intentional with how I reset, recharge, and reconnect.
That means:
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More mindful days outdoors, especially in places like Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, where you can hike among ibex.
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More off-season hikes in spring and fall. Who says you have to wait for summer? I’ve loved hiking the Costa Brava Coastal Trail, Lycian Way, Cinque Terre, Wicklow Way all of which I’ve done in spring or fall — and which we offer as self-guided hiking tours.
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More weekday hikes, just because.
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More time to breathe, move, and remember what actually matters. And for me that also includes less time on Netflix and more time reading, especially books about animals and adventure.
Make 2026 the Year You Create Your Own Hiking Ritual
If you’ve been feeling a little “blah,” a little scattered, or thinking “how do I make sure 2026 isn’t just a repeat of 2025?” — maybe it’s time to put something meaningful on your calendar.
Not another meeting.
Not another rushed weekend.
But something deeper. Restorative.
A new kind of annual hike tradition — one that restores your capacity, not drains it.
That’s exactly why we created our self-guided hiking tours:
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Freedom without stress
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Structure without pressure
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Space to reconnect with yourself — on your terms
Whether it’s your first trail or your next, these experiences are designed to help you reclaim your energy, clarity, and sense of purpose.
👉 Explore Our Self-Guided Hiking Tours
Final Thoughts
Skipping my annual hike wasn’t just missing a trip — it was missing a part of myself.
If you’re ready to reset, breathe deeper, and come back to life in 2026, maybe it’s time to start your own annual hiking tradition.