Spring 2026 Update

Over the last four months we have continued growing, healing, hiking, and supporting people in recovery through connection, community, and the outdoors, and we honestly could not be prouder of what has been achieved together.

The beginning of this year has shown just how powerful recovery community can be when people come together with honesty, courage, and a willingness to support one another.

Every single hike has brought new faces, new friendships, new challenges, and countless moments of growth.

January 2026: Cheddar Gorge Hike

We started 2026 with one of our most breathtaking hikes yet at the incredible Cheddar Gorge.

With over 30 participants joining us, the day was filled with nervous excitement, determination, laughter, and support from the very beginning. The dramatic cliffs, steep climbs, and open landscapes created both a physical and emotional challenge for many attending.

For some people, this was their very first HIKE2HEAL event. Others arrived struggling with anxiety, low confidence, isolation, or difficult moments in their recovery journey. But what unfolded throughout the day was something truly special.

As the group climbed higher through the gorge, you could see people beginning to relax, open up, and encourage one another. Complete strangers at the start of the day became teammates by the end of it.

The views from the top reminded us all how important it is to pause, breathe, and appreciate how far we have already come, not just on the trail, but in life and recovery too.

The feedback after the hike was overwhelming, with many people saying the day had given them hope, confidence, and motivation they had been missing for a long time.

March 2026: Jacob's Ladder, Peak District

March brought us to the beautiful Peak District where we took on the famous Jacob's Ladder route.

This hike challenged people both physically and mentally. The steep inclines and demanding terrain pushed many outside of their comfort zones, but that is exactly where growth happens.

With over 25 people joining the hike, the atmosphere throughout the day was full of encouragement and positivity. Nobody was left behind. Faster walkers waited for slower walkers. People checked in on each other constantly. The sense of unity throughout the day was incredible to witness.

One of the most powerful things about HIKE2HEAL is watching people who once believed they were not capable begin proving themselves wrong.

At the beginning of the hike, some participants doubted whether they could complete the climb. By the end of the day, they were standing proudly at the top smiling, laughing, and celebrating what they had achieved together.

The Peak District gave us stunning scenery, fresh air, open conversations, and a reminder that recovery is not just about staying clean or sober, it is about rebuilding confidence, purpose, and connection.

Sunny Hill & Bury Ditches Hikes

Our Sunny Hill and Bury Ditches hikes brought together more amazing recovery communities and once again showed the healing power of nature and peer support.

With group sizes growing to between 25 and 35 participants, these hikes continue to create safe spaces where people feel accepted, understood, and supported without judgement.

These days were filled with meaningful conversations, shared experiences, laughter, and moments of reflection. For many people attending, simply getting out of the house and being around positive people was a huge achievement in itself.

The peaceful surroundings, woodland trails, and beautiful views gave people the opportunity to slow down from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect with themselves.

What stands out most on these hikes is how quickly connection happens. People arrive feeling anxious and uncertain, but by the end of the walk everyone is talking, supporting each other, and feeling part of something bigger.

Recovery can often feel lonely, but these hikes continue to prove that nobody has to walk the journey alone.

Heatherdene & Winn Hill Hike

Our Heatherdene and Winn Hill hike became another unforgettable day for the HIKE2HEAL community.

This route offered some of the most beautiful scenery we have experienced so far this year, with stunning reservoirs, woodland paths, open hills, and panoramic views across the Peak District.

More than 30 people attended the hike, and the energy throughout the day was uplifting from start to finish.

There were moments of deep conversation while walking side by side through the trails, moments of silence appreciating nature, and moments of laughter echoing across the hills.

Many people spoke afterwards about how much the day had helped their mental health. Others shared that they had not felt connected to people in a long time until joining HIKE2HEAL.

The day perfectly reflected what HIKE2HEAL is all about: community, support, challenge, healing, and hope.

Watching people leave with smiles on their faces, new friendships, and renewed confidence continues to remind us why this work matters so much.

Exciting News: National Lottery Funding Award

We are incredibly proud and excited to announce that HIKE2HEAL RECOVERY has officially been awarded National Lottery Awards for all funding support.

This is a huge milestone for HIKE2HEAL and an emotional moment for everyone involved in the journey so far.

What started as a small recovery community project has continued to grow into something truly special, and this funding now gives us the opportunity to expand even further and support even more people struggling with addiction, trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges.

The National Lottery funding will help us:

• Organise more recovery hikes and wellbeing events
• Support larger groups safely and effectively
• Reach more individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected
• Create more inclusive recovery spaces
• Develop future retreat weekends and wellness programmes
• Continue building a strong recovery community through nature and peer support

This recognition means the world to us because it validates the importance of community-led recovery support and outdoor wellbeing.

We want to thank every single person who has attended a hike, volunteered, donated, supported us online, or simply believed in what we are building.

This achievement belongs to the entire HIKE2HEAL community.

Looking Ahead: June 2026 Weekend Hike to Bude, Devon

And we are not slowing down…

We are incredibly excited for our upcoming June 2026 Recovery Weekend Hike to Bude in Devon.

This promises to be one of our biggest adventures yet and will include an incredible 15-mile coastal hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK.

The Devon weekend is designed to challenge people physically while also creating opportunities for healing, connection, and personal growth.

The weekend will include:

• A 15-mile coastal recovery hike
• Campfire connection evenings
• Wellness and mindfulness activities
• Recovery peer support
• Time in nature to reset and recharge
• Opportunities to build resilience and confidence

As always, the focus will be on community, inclusion, and creating safe spaces for people in recovery to grow together.

We already know this weekend is going to create unforgettable memories and life-changing moments for many people attending.

Thank You

Finally, thank you to every single person who continues to support HIKE2HEAL RECOVERY.

Whether you attend hikes, encourage others, share our posts, volunteer, donate, or simply believe in what we do, you are helping change lives.

Recovery is possible. Healing is possible. Connection changes everything.

And together, we keep walking forward.

With gratitude,

The HIKE2HEAL RECOVERY Team 💚