Member Article

World’s Largest Hiking Event Series to Host First UK Events

HIGHLANDER, the world’s first global long-distance hiking event series, has announced its expansion into the UK with the launch of HIGHLANDER Lake District. From the 5th to the 9th of July, the Lake District, England’s largest National Park and a World Heritage Site, will serve as the inaugural UK location for the internationally acclaimed event series.

Founded in Croatia in 2017 when a couple of enthusiasts decided to share their love and passion for long-distance hiking, HIGHLANDER has grown to become a worldwide adventure series, hosting more than 30 events across 25 different countries, all with the mission of helping people further immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

HIGHLANDER Lake District is a long-distance hiking event that provides participants with all the necessary logistics and an unforgettable hiking route. The trail includes Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, to Wastwater - its deepest lake, making it the ideal place to experience nature from a different angle, using all five senses. The route also includes popular places like Great Langdale and Borrowdale, the stunning sights of Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, as well as the Wainwright Fells of Fairfield, High Raise and Steel Fell to name a few.

“We’re thrilled that HIGHLANDER is finally being introduced in the UK as we continue our mission to motivate people to enhance their mental and physical health through hiking adventures and unique experiences”, said HIGHLANDER CEO Jurica Barac.

He added: “HIGHLANDER Lake District is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s an Adventure of a Lifetime and a chance for participants to get out of their comfort zone and grow as individuals. Connecting with nature and conquering both physical and mental obstacles leaves participants with a feeling of accomplishment, enlightenment, and a new outlook on life.”

HIGHLANDER is designed to unite people through a common journey where even perfect strangers cheer each other on, often resulting in lifelong friendships. From advanced seasoned hikers to novice young adventurers, the inaugural event appeals to all walks of life offering two different formats including a 94-kilometre, five-day trek, and a 51-kilometre, three-day journey.

Aside from hiking, HIGHLANDER offers participants much more. Each evening after reaching the designated checkpoint, participants can immerse themselves in the festival vibe of the event by joining an inspiring programme of activities from music to yoga, workshops and more, or simply enjoy the spectacular starry night sky which is worlds apart from that visible in light-polluted cities.

Continuing its expansion across the globe, HIGHLANDER has upcoming events this year in Croatia, the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Italy, Spain, and now, the United Kingdom.

Abiding by the “Leave No Trace” and “Erase the Trace” philosophies, HIGHLANDER ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of all events by providing education for its participants on how to effectively preserve nature. Participants are instructed to not leave anything behind, and to pick up any additional rubbish they find along the way, thinking of the legacy they leave for generations to come.

In 2021, Spartan, the world’s leading endurance sports and extreme wellness brand, recognised HIGHLANDER’s potential as a strategic partner, paving the way to bring this unique, long-distance adventure-hiking event to the UK. The vision, mission and values shared by these two brands come from the same core: building mental and physical toughness to bring about positive lifestyle changes, with the common goal to improve 100 million lives globally.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucie Hayes .