Port Hikes CIC is a walk & talk hike group encouraging more people to get outside and talk. Port Hikes is managed fully voluntarily around the owner’s full-time job and hobbies to provide a safe space to improve mental health, physical health, socialisation or just to support anyone who enjoys walking.
The group took inspiration from a Wirral walk n’ talk group called ‘Raw n Real’ and helped cultivate Ellesmere Port’s own group, starting from just a small group of friends and colleagues into a full, thriving community. Fundraisers and local companies (Sport Asylum and Tech Disposal Limited) also help provide free T-shirts, hats or jackets to frequent walkers.
”I have formed some great personal connections with a lot of our frequent walkers and it’s not all just about the walks. We are also there when people just need that someone to chat to too, whether that be over a coffee or online”
Founder of Port Hikes.
Two different walks are provided per month:
A beginner walk n’ talk which is local, flat and for all ages/abilities, mid-week and ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
One big, more challenging hike; you can meet for car share at the Whitby Club, and the hike can be anywhere in Wales or the Northwest, ranging from 3 to 6 hours.
Twice a year, they also host weekend camping trips up to the Lake District and provide drinks/electrolytes and a take away for those participating.