Going by our Instagram feeds, it seems that everyone and their mother has taken to climbing mountain trails lately; breathing in the fresh air, appreciating nature, and taking the much-coveted viewpoint selfie.
Aside from looking good on the 'gram, going out for a hike is beneficial to both our mental and physical health, and is a great way to uncover some of the hidden gems that Ireland has to offer.
With many of us looking for close-to-home adventures to fill up our summer schedule, we spoke with Eoin Hamilton, head of marketing and community for the Hiiker app, to find out more about this popular pastime.
How did the concept of Hiiker come about?
Our CEO, Paul Finlay, previously built an app that focused on a small handful of Hiking trails in Ireland. He originally built it as he felt there wasn't anything on the market that helped long-distance hikers in Ireland.
Long-distance hiking requires a level of planning and understanding of the journey ahead so that the hiker can best prepare themselves. There is a whole industry that prints books and maps for trails all over the world but, in the digital world we live in, this needed to be translated to mobile devices.
Subsequently, he discovered the need for something similar around the world. The app grew but, in its format, would not be manageable to expand much further so he grew the team in order to work on a brand new app. One that would cover every long-distance hiking trail on the planet.
This is a big ask as it is not really known how many there are in the world, but we got started anyway. Now we are over 1,100 trails in and I don't think we will stop finding new trails any time soon.
What does the app offer? How does it differ from simply joining a hiking group?
Hiking groups are fantastic. They are a great way of getting out on trails and mountains, especially when you are new to hiking and would like to learn from the experts. They are also a great social platform.
The app is a way to discover long-distance trails all over the world. We tailor to those that want to plan their own adventure. With the mobile app (and web app), users can find a trail that suits their ability in a location they want to see and plan out their journey.
This means knowing where to stop to sleep (hotels, hostels, campgrounds); knowing where to stock up on food; knowing how to get to and from the trail and so much more. It also gives really clear information about the distance and elevation of the trails - so you can know if you need to take a sip of coffee before a steep hill!
But the most important aspect of the app is accessing all this info offline. While most of the features are free to use, a small subscription fee will grant users access to offline maps. When you're out on the trail, the last thing you want is an app that is draining your battery because of mobile data. With offline maps, you don't need to be connected.
In addition to the mobile offline maps, we give you print maps. Whether you want to practice your compass skills, or you want that extra safety while on the trail, print maps of your itinerary will give you peace of mind on the trail.
Who is your target audience? Who is using the app?
Our target audience is anyone who wants to get out on the trail. We don't currently offer short trails (the shortest trail is about 20km), but we might consider this for the future. Our users and subscribers do tend to be those that are looking to try long-distance hiking for the first time or are experienced hikers.
There has definitely been a huge uptake by women in the last six months. And, interestingly, women are more inclined to purchase a subscription than men are.
Hiking seems to have become increasingly popular in Ireland, why do you think that is?
I do believe in the past few years hiking has exploded in Ireland and around the world. We can see it from the market research we have done. You can also see it with the growth of some of the outdoor retail stores around the country.
I think once people realise that hiking is essentially walking, they fall in love with it. The fitness and active culture in Ireland is on the rise and hiking has benefited from this. Thankfully, Sport Ireland and Failte Ireland has invested in improving and promoting hiking trails in Ireland and this has helped the popularity of the activity.
Hiking is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle and to connect with the outdoors. You can spend a small fortune on all the top gear, but all you need is comfortable footwear, something you'd wear while exercising, and a raincoat (it is Ireland after all). As you get into the more serious hikes, you'll need to upgrade your gear but it's a good place to start!
Do you think Instagram has made hiking more popular with people in Ireland?
Absolutely! Hiking is a very visual activity. You can make it more physical if you wish, but most people will head out on the trails we cover to see the sights. Instagram is an amazing place to display the amazing hikes that we have in Ireland. I know myself that I might see a beautiful image of a forest or a mountain on Instagram, and instantly think "I must go there".
Other social media platforms are great too. On Facebook, you can find groups for particular trails (like the Wicklow way) or hiking in general. YouTube is also a great resource for hearing from hikers that have done the trail already.
Instagram is our most-used channel for our own content. We get far more engagement on that than any other platform. It is also where most of our audience hang out!
Hiking can be beneficial to our mental health, do you find people get hooked on being in nature?
Hiking is an incredible way to clear your mind. There are many people that use Hiking as a form of meditation and mindfulness. Alone it can be quite therapeutic. I love hiking with friends, but that din of nature can help with the stress of daily life.
We work with many people around the world that have found themselves hiking as a way to heal and process their thoughts. We have heard some amazing stories from the likes of Mel McDermott and her clients in Galz Gone Wild, Derek Cullen and Abbie Barnes in the UK. They discovered the amazing healing power that comes from hiking and the outdoors.
Favourite hike in Ireland to do over a weekend?
So hard to choose! The Wicklow Way is an amazing trail, but the whole thing could take up to five or six days. It could be done from Djouce to Marley Park in two days. There is also the Kerry Camino that goes from Tralee to Dingle. One of the most beautiful places in the country.
Favourite hike in Ireland to do in a day?
I recently did the Tain way in Co. Louth. It's a tough trail. It's about 40KM long with a lot of elevation and a good few roads to go on. But the views were absolutely stunning. It's a loop trail that starts and ends in Carlingford. I started early in the morning and got back just in time for chips at the seafront! You walk right up the border of Northern Ireland, and you get an incredible view over Carlingford Lough and the towns along it (Newry, Warrenpoint, Omeath and Carlingford).
Best viewpoint in Ireland?
I have so much more to see. But, so far, the view from the Wicklow way, just as you are about to go over the pass between Mullacor and Lugduff. You get an incredible panorama view of Glenmalure valley, Avonbeg River and up to Lugnaquilla. Waterfalls galore!
Best trails for beginners?
A great trail to start with is the Howth Cliff walk in Dublin. It can be busy on a good day, but there's plenty space to roam around and take in the sea views. Down in Cork, there is the Seven heads Peninsula trail. It is about 46km but you can do a section of it. The Burren way in Clare is also a beautiful trail for beginners. If you don't want to do the whole thing, I recommend the section from Liscannor to The Cliffs of Moher. Out of this world views along the cliffs - take care though!
Best trail for advanced?
Recently, Paul and I attempted the Mourne Wall challenge in Co. Down. We had a bit of training done (running and short hikes), but we were very underprepared for this monster. If you're up for a challenge, well... it's in the name. It's only 31km, but it takes you along the Mourne Wall, which climbs and descends some of the tallest mountains in the region. It can be done in a day, but you'll need your trail legs! There is also The Beara Way in Cork. I am yet to do the full trail, but from what I have seen and what I've been told by many hikers, it is one for the bucket list.
Top tip for hikers?
If you're new to long-distance hiking and don't know where to start, I can sympathise. I am constantly making mistakes (packing too much, not bringing rain gear, etc). All you need to do is get out there and start, you don't have to camp in a forest. That's why we list thousands of accommodation options on the app. Likewise, you don't need to survive off berries and energy bars, most hikes in Ireland pass through or near towns and we list so many food options to keep you nourished along the trail.
Get out there, be safe, have fun and remember to bring a raincoat!
