AllTrails usage data confirms the trend, showing that 30th March, when clocks changed last year, was the most popular day of the year for trail activities in 2024.
The research also found that 40% of Brits look forward to the clocks changing for daylight savings more than the festive season.
This year you shared over 18 million photos from the trails (that’s A LOT of photos 📸) Swipe through for some of our favorite memories you shared from 2024 💚
📸 @the.trekking.mama, @caroline.et.les.marmottes, @lahikingbaddies, @alanandemily pic.twitter.com/B6G27sdnKU
— AllTrails (@AllTrails) December 31, 2024
So key is this moment for Brits that when asked what has the biggest impact on overall happiness, 53% said longer daylight hours—more than double those who chose overseas holidays (20%) or Christmas (17%).
Avoiding the crowds
While outdoor enthusiasm is welcomed, AllTrails is encouraging trailgoers to explore beyond the most popular spots.
Gareth Mills, Country Manager at AllTrails, explains: “I love this time of year because it marks the start of us experiencing the joy, warmth, and beauty of the UK landscape all at once. With more of us heading to the trails, we must explore beyond the famous beauty spots, too.
“Three-quarters of Brits surveyed said that when planning an outdoor activity, avoiding crowds is key. I’ve seen firsthand how that desire for peace and quiet can be satisfied on trails less travelled,” Mills says.
“I recently used AllTrails to avoid busy routes in Eryi National Park, which sees millions of visitors a year. After filtering for hike length, elevation, difficulty, and views, I discovered a four-peak hike with Elidir Fawr as the summit.
“The views were panoramic, yet the trail was crowd-free. It’s fun to scale the famous peaks, but let’s not forget the lesser known peaks that offer similar rewards except with easy parking and quieter paths.”
Benefits of longer days and outdoor activities
Longer days offer more than extra trail time. The research highlights the positive impact of increased daylight and outdoor activity on mental and physical well-being.
Over two-thirds of Brits (69%) said they feel a significant boost in mood and energy levels when there’s more daylight, and 81% said they typically feel happier after a hike or walk outdoors.
45% of Brits said that hiking or walking is their favourite way to stay active.
The survey also found that 46% of Brits consider walking in nature their top stress reliever, and 55% are motivated to get outside to improve their mood.
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“Research continues to show the positive impact that being outdoors has on our overall mental well-being all year round,” says Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, Chief Medical Advisor at AllTrails.
“With the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring and summer, we have an even better opportunity to fully embrace the benefits nature has to offer. Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate our internal body clock, improving sleep and boosting mood by increasing serotonin levels.
“And we all should know that sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which is key for maintaining bone health and supporting the overall function of our immune system.”
