A woman & her mountains

You may know me as a Manchester-based city girl. But on Sundays, you’ll find me swapping the metropolis for the fresh air and rolling hills of the Lake District. And rather than my usual attire of tight pencil skirt and silk blouse, I’ll be sporting my skin-tight activewear and walking boots.

My two favourite (and often only) Sunday decisions are:

1. which mountain or trail I’ll happily hike that day
2. and where I’m going after, for a perfect Sunday roast.

I love how hiking helps me stay fit and maintain my toned body. (In particular, my divine derrière.) It’s also a good way to squeeze some consistent cardio into my routine. (Although I’m sure you can imagine a few other ways to help raise my heart rate.)

But escaping to the Lakes most weekends isn’t just a fitness kick. It’s a chance to clear my head, breathe deeply and marvel at the beauty on my doorstep. Qualities of hiking that have kept me coming back for more, for a long time.

You always remember your first mountain

Mine was Mount Snowdon, in Wales. I was in my mid twenties. One winter, my friend and I decided we were going right to the top. We pulled on our boots and off we went.

I remember it was cold and there was snow on the ground that made the Pyg track slippery. But the challenge fired me up. En route to the top, I passed a lake looking beautiful against the backdrop of the snowy mountain.

We reached the summit after two hours of walking. I felt a great sense of achievement. And I knew that I’d awoken something inside me. I loved hiking. And my desire to conquer mountains further from home was born.

Go where you feel most alive

Soon after Snowdon I realised I was captivated by mountainous landscapes. And I started to appreciate the mysticism that surrounds them: why they’re symbols of strength and stability, gateways to higher realms, and sites for rituals and offerings to beings beyond this world.

When I’m hiking I feel physically strong. I trust my body and its capabilities. Emotionally, I feel a range of things. From quiet determination to elation. Peace and calm, as well as adrenaline and excitement.

Whether I’m walking solo or with others, the hike to the summit and the arrival make me feel alive and connected to the world. One of my favourite things is to ascend in the dark to catch the sunrise from the summit.

Perhaps you’re an early riser, too? A real morning person who enjoys an energetic start to the day?

The mountains I’ve climbed and the treks I’ve completed

I seek thrills and connection by completing walks in the UK, but I also go further afield. Perhaps you’ve done some of these too?

Helvellyn, Lake District

This is my go-to walk and I can complete it whatever my energy level. In just a few hours I’ll reach the summit, and the views across Ullswater are very rewarding. On the descent, I let my thoughts turn to the roast dinner I’ll grab in one of the nearby pubs.

Sharp Edge of Blencathra, Lake District

It might only be the 14th-highest peak in the Lakes, but the high, steep drops on either side of this trail really get the heart racing. It’s a Grade 1 scramble as you reach the summit, and I’ll have it known that women with perfectly manicured, red-painted nails can make it (nails unscathed) to the top.

Ben Nevis, Lochaber

If you live in the UK and claim to love climbing mountains, then hiking Ben Nevis is a must. It is, after all, our highest peak, standing at an impressive 1,345m. I was fortunate enough to climb it on a clear-skyed day and was treated to beautiful views across the Grampians.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

My four-day hike through the Andes included steep ascents and more stone steps than I care to remember. We trekked through rainforest, walking alongside tarantulas, hummingbirds and exotic flora and fauna.

The highest point at 4,215m, is known colloquially as Dead Woman’s Pass and locally as Warmiwanusca. This is my highest altitude to date. And as I didn’t suffer altitude sickness (thankfully), it’s encouraged me to take my hiking higher.

Fresh peaks—the mountains I’d love to climb

I’m an ambitious, altitude-attuned hiker. My still-to-climb and walk list very much reflects that. And if you’ve done any of the following, I’d love to hear about your experience.

• Trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal
• Anna Purna Circuit, Nepal
• Hiking in the Dolomites, Italy
• Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania
• Mount Toubkal, Morocco
• Torres de Paine and Fitz Roy in Patagonia, Chile
• Aconcagua in Mendoza Province, Argentina (which at 7,000m and just 1,000m below the death zone is the highest I’ll consider going to).

Life feels larger in hiking boots

While I love being glamorous, slipping on a sensational LBD and a pair of Casadei signature blade heels, I also seek thrills in form-hugging sports wear and serious hiking boots.

Because that exhilarating feeling of standing as close to the top of the world as possible can’t be replicated. That’s why this woman loves her mountains and any activity date that calls for pulling on the boots. (Like this one in Scotland.)

Be the first to hear about my adventures

I’m currently counting down the days before I jet off to Vietnam to explore the entire length of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

If you want to keep track of my trip and hear about how it goes, please take a moment to sign up for my Inner Circle—my free, regular newsletter. It’s filled with behind-the-scenes content and deeper revelations about my travels and adventures.

Life is one great, grand adventure. Join me for the ride. Join my Inner Circle.

Diana