When I think of hiking, the image that comes to mind is that of a young, strong, healthy individual, striding over mountainous rough ground for huge distances. I admire Erling Kagge, who wrote the book "Walking". He has walked to both the North and South Poles, and has climbed Everest. But he also did what he calls "Urban Hiking": exploring a city by walking through it.
Many town and city-dwelling people do a little walking every day, going to and from work, or to the local shop... or walking the dog. They wouldn't consider this to be "Urban Hiking", and they're probably right. It's different.
I think what makes the difference between various types of walking is intention and attitude.
Walking simply because you need to get from one place to another is one reason to walk. But you can have multiple reasons for that same walk.
Maybe you want to get outdoors, clear your head, get some fresh air and exercise, as well as getting from A to B.
You could choose to walk instead of cycling, because it's a short distance and you don't really want the hassle of locking and unlocking your bike.
You could choose to walk instead of driving because you want the exercise, and the weather is not bad, and you're not under pressure of time - and you're conscious of fuel costs, and saving the planet. Of course, if you don't have a car, the choice becomes whether to take a bus or taxi, or walk.
And all of that, above, is involved in the decision people make, when they take a simple walk from A to B.
The mindset of the person who is walking also differentiates one walk from another.
Are you lost in your thoughts about work, or family? A row with a friend? Worry about money?
Or are you aware of your physical feelings, a stiff neck or sore foot... or the pleasure of stretching your legs, breathing deeply, and becoming more energised?
Are you aware of your environment, as you walk? Are you curious about it? Noticing or greeting other people, noticing well-kept or dishevelled homes and gardens, or businesses and shops? Do you read the graffiti, if there is any, or do you have to watch where you step because of litter, broken glass, dog's dirt?
Do you walk the same route so often that you no longer even notice your surroundings, unless there's some major change - like road works, or a new building going up? Or does every landmark carry a memory, so that as you pass it you can't help but think of something that once happened?
Like most people, I far prefer to walk in natural surroundings, rather than in cities or towns... but there are some lovely walks, even in urban areas. In Dublin we are blessed with the Royal Canal on the Northside, and the Grand Canal on the Southside, as well as the River Liffey running through the city centre. Walking beside water - whether a canal or a river - always adds a special element to a walk.
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