When Ella first started Girls That Hike, she was looking for something many of us can relate to — a way to feel better, get out of the house, and cope with the pressures of everyday life. Hiking became her therapy, and she quickly realised how transformative spending time outdoors could be. What began as a personal lifeline soon grew into a safe, supportive space for women and girls of all ages to come together.
Today, Girls That Hike has become a popular and uplifting community groups, with weekly walks attracting anywhere from 6 to 37 participants, and members ranging from 7 to 70 years old. Their Instagram community has grown to almost 1,500 followers, inspiring many more to give walking a try.
A Safe Space for Anyone Who Needs It
Ella created the group with inclusivity at its heart. There are no age limits, no fitness expectations and no experience needed — you can simply turn up as you are. Many women attend alone for the first time, stepping outside their comfort zone, and immediately feel welcomed and supported.
As Ella says:
“I initially created this group to support my own mental health along with helping others as walking and getting out the house really can be a life line for people.”
The group is especially meaningful for women who experience isolation, work remotely, struggle with mental health, or simply want to meet new people. One member, who rarely left the house, now attends weekly and credits the group with helping her build friendships and improve her mental wellbeing.
More Than Walking
While the physical benefits are clear — movement, fresh air, and gentle exercise — Girls That Hike offers something even more powerful: connection, laughter, achievement, and a sense of belonging.
Monthly hikes, including regular trips to the Peak District, give participants the chance to challenge themselves, explore beautiful places, and celebrate shared milestones.
Girls That Hike also gives back. In August 2025, the group held a charity walk in support of Taking Action on Addiction, raising awareness of how addiction impacts both physical and mental health.
A Movement That’s Changing Lives
Girls That Hike isn’t just a walking group — it’s a lifeline, a community, and a reminder of what’s possible when people come together. Ella’s honesty about her own mental health journey gives others permission to be open, too. Through compassion, community and a pair of walking boots, she has helped countless women reconnect with nature, with movement, and with themselves.
The group were recently a finalist for the Impact on Health award, at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025, in recognition of the informative affect the supportive group is having on women’s health – both in terms of physical fitness and mental wellbeing. Girls that Hike also won the People’s Choice award, voted for by the public.
Hear more from Ella about why she set up the group and the benefits it has had for her and members that attend, in this video filmed for the awards:
If you’re looking for support, friendship, or a gentle reason to move a little more, Girls That Hike might be the perfect place to start.
Find out more about Girls that Hike on their instagram page.
Find more advice and tips to start walking here, and find advice on supporting mental health through being active here.
You can discover more walking groups and led sessions on our activity finder.