‘World Naked Hiking Day takes place in the Northern Hemisphere on the Summer Solstice - June 21st each year. It has grown in popularity over the years and is a great way to promote Naturism and Normalise Nudity,’ writes BN Sports Officer, Ian Munt
This year we wanted to put more effort into promoting the day and give as many people as possible an opportunity to walk in Naked in Nature.
There were six official walks - in Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Somerset and Yorkshire. Sarah White, BN’s Yorkshire and East Midland’s walks coordinator organised and led Yorkshire while Eastern region’s walks organiser Andrew Roch took care of the others.
The walks varied from six to nine miles with up to almost 30 walkers and the feedback was brilliant with everyone reporting on having a great time. We also welcomed quite a few newcomers to Naked Hiking,
Sarah said, “I am still buzzing. Everyone thanked me at the end for a walk so well organised, and a route with breath-taking views - many didn’t want to finish and get dressed. There were a couple who had never done a naked walk before and are now hooked. It makes all the hard work well worth it.”
In Buckinghamshire John White led a party of eleven including yours truly and we also had two newcomers who thoroughly enjoyed their day and will be going on more walks.
Meanwhile Andrew Roch led a party of seven through Thetford Forest. Allen posted on Twitter - Happy World Naked Hiking Day, had a lovely 12.5km walk today with several positive encounters with the public
Carol wrote, “We had a great walk. 29 of those in our group who were staying at Cambridge Outdoor Club were delighted to walk out and be able to strip just half mile from that lovely club. This included four who had never been on a naked walk, and two ladies who had never walked completely naked. We reduced the distance to five and a half miles to allow a longer picnic by the River Ouze where some of us swam!
Also, on the Day Naturist Ramblers held a Stark Trekkers walk on the South Downs in Hampshire, Brian from Midlands Naturist Ramblers led a walk at Ticknall and Andy organised and led an unofficial walk at the Great Hill and Winter Hill Nr Bolton.
Some quotes from the participants
“We don’t want the walk to come to end because we have enjoyed it so much”
"This is just a short note to say a big "thank you" for organising yesterday's Levisham walk, and to say how much Muffin and I enjoyed it. The organisation was first class, the route a pleasure to walk (despite the one steep-ish hill!) and the views spectacular! So thank you again for a delightful day."
"Just wanted to thank you for organising the walk, Susan and I really enjoyed it. When we get home, I'll look up the next ones and we may see you on another."
"Just wanted to say a big thanks for organising and leading the walk yesterday. Cracking route and a great day out."
“I had not realised just how liberating it can be to walk naked in nature. We will be doing this again both with BN and alone”
“Using World Naked Hiking Day to promote body positivity seems to have worked well. Everyone we met was really positive and two of them indicated that they might join us next year!”
In total, around 80 walkers were out in the countryside enjoying Nature and Normalising Nudity. There are so many benefits to Naturist walking for he mind body and soul, and attracts no cost! If you are inspired, there are lots of walks throughout the summer and autumn - check out the BN website calendar.