Viking Hiking Guild
Overview
The Viking Hiking Guild (VHG) is a society guild dedicated to exploring and celebrating the UK's extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, greenways, and historic trails. Inspired by the enduring spirit of exploration associated with the Vikings of the early medieval period, the Guild blends a passion for hiking with an appreciation of history.
Mission and Objectives
The core mission of the Viking Hiking Guild is to foster an active, inclusive community of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts while promoting awareness of the UK’s natural and historical environments. Its principal objectives include:
- Exploration – Encouraging members to discover the UK’s network of more than 110,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways, and rights-of-way spanning rural landscapes, urban trails, and coastal paths.
- Preservation – We adhere to the principle of Carry In/Carry Out and Leave No Trace. Always take your litter away with you, even better if you can take out more litter than you took in!
- Historical Engagement – Promoting cultural knowledge and appreciation of historic sites encountered on hikes, including ancient ruins, medieval structures, and remnants of Britain’s Viking, Roman, and Celtic past.
- Education and Outreach – We encourage members to learn about the sites they visit and share that knowledge amongst the guild. In-Kit walks also provide the opportunity to share our passion of Vikings with the public.
Activities and Events
The VHG encourages members to get outside and "touch grass". While much of this will be members hiking in their own time, the guild will be organising group walks, some of which may be in viking kit. The guild also allows members to connect with each other to find their own walking partners or groups.
How to get involved
Membership of the VHG is open to anyone in the society with an interest in walking, nature and the heritage of the UK. The guild is primarily an online community though facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vikinghikingguild
Share photos of your walks and information about the places you visit, or just soak up some inspiration from others. Advertise your plans in advance if you are looking for some hiking partners.
If you have any suggestions for official guild hikes, please contact the Guildmaster.
Guildmaster - Matthew Martin
Deputy Guildmaster - Tom Nicholls