Combating inequality
Promoting physical and mental wellbeing
Many urban communities in Scotland do not have the opportunity to experience the Scottish outdoors due to acute social, psychological, economic or practical barriers. Health and socio-economic status are inextricably linked. Low income families, refugees and asylum seekers and people experiencing unemployment, substance abuse or homelessness are some of the least catered for groups when it comes to sport for development programmes, and among the most at-risk of mental ill-health.
People travel from all over the world to experience the Scottish outdoors. It’s abundant, stunning, free, nutritious, and fun, but more than half of adults in Scotland don’t go outside recreationally at all. Furthermore, those enjoying the hills and outdoors are overwhelmingly white and middle class – indicative of inequality in Scottish society. Meanwhile health issues, like depression, anxiety and addiction account for 14% of global diseases.
So far:
Hikers in total
% of hikers identified as girls / women
% of hikers from very low-income backgrounds
People walked up a hill for the first time with Mhor Outdoor
Outdoor lifestyles provide life-long physical and mental health benefits to help people realise potential – it inspires physical fitness, positive thinking, feelings of belonging, creativity, perspective, self- confidence, self-worth and ambition.
Mhor Outdoor is a not-for-profit social business that leads hikes for groups up hills in Scotland. Our mission is to allow everyone in Scotland to access an outdoor lifestyle, for a healthier and more equal society. For every hike delivered for a corporate team – a hike will be organised for people who are financially or socially excluded from the great Scottish outdoors. We want to make an outdoor lifestyle available to everyone.
“So thrilled for Sadaf and Beata- 2 very happy homes today. Thank you for making it possible.”
Margaret, Glasgow Council
“I had a spiritual awakening, honestly. I want to see this in the future.”
Michelle, Chief Executive of Street Fit Scotland
“It was the first time to try hiking here in Glasgow and I really love it. I learned a lot of things today like the hiking doesn't need too many things to do it just some willingness. I learned how to keep nature clean behind us”
Hiker
“I enjoyed a lot. It was a very good experience. It was refreshing physically and mentally.”
Hiker
“I am happy , relaxed and enjoyed a lot of yesterday's activity. It's a great opportunity for me to explore Scotland and enjoy healthy activities which I can't afford by myself”
Hiker
“It brought about the strength we get from each other as a team. Getting to the summit and just having a 360 degree view of Edinburgh was absolutely amazing.”
Hiker
“There was a lot of a small purple plant which I haven't seen before. I feel I am connecting with the mountains and feeling grounded?. I feel full of energy when I am in the mountains. It was amazing!”
Hiker
“It was the first time to try hiking here in Glasgow and I really love it. I learned a lot of things today like the hiking doesn't need too many things to do it just some willingness. I learned how to keep nature clean behind us”
Hiker
“It is beautiful. When you smell the wood and the heather. It was a first time for me in the hills. It was the perfect day”
Hiker
"I learned how to use a compass, it was interesting.”
Hiker
“I have a taken a very healthy activity, feeling relaxed and happy after seeing others after long time. Body and mind become fresh and relaxed. It confirms me that , a healthy body always have a healthy mind. Sense of Care by Communities together.”
Hiker
“I really enjoy outdoor activities, it was a fantastic trip today, especially after lockdown for few months. It was my first hiking in my life on Wednesday and I was so excited about it."
Hiker
“During yesterday’s hike my take away was a new idea of hiking and explore natural environments in Scotland.”
Hiker
“I learned that nature is so much beautiful and it is for us and its our responsibility to retain it in its original form. I feel more energetic and fresh.”
Hiker
"For me, this is not just a hike, but it was an opportunity to connect with nature, communicate with people from different countries and learn about different cultures, while practicing my English and maintaining a positive attitude from this trip."
Hiker
Hike Up Beinn Dubh
[By Salma Zeeshan]
Another memorable achievement so far is “Ben Dubh” from Luss village in Loch Lomond. It was a day full of excitement, we followed the wooden footbridge, a small fairy trail through a small wooden forest and then a grassy hill walk.
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