The Hiking Hens: A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and Adventure
In a world where women's mental health is a growing concern, a chance meeting on a hiking trail in Northern Ireland has sparked a movement that is not only transforming lives but also challenging societal norms. This is the story of the Hiking Hens, a group of women who have found solace, friendship, and adventure in the great outdoors.
The origins of the Hiking Hens can be traced back to 2019 when Maria O'Grady and Biddy Higgins, both avid hikers, met on Hen Mountain in the Mournes. Their shared love for walking and the camaraderie they felt on the trail led to a friendship that would soon become a catalyst for change. Maria, a 51-year-old from Lisnacree, and Biddy, a 61-year-old from Rostrevor, discovered a unique connection when they hiked together. As Maria puts it, "Walking with other women takes the experience in a completely different direction. There's a unique connection when you're out on the hills together. It feels like a safe space where we can talk about things we wouldn't normally share with strangers. The camaraderie is incredible."
What started as a simple friendship soon grew into something much bigger. The pair began sharing details of their walks on social media, and before long, their flock had grown. "We never know who's going to turn up," Biddy laughs. "Over the past five years, women have travelled from all over Ireland to join us."
The Hiking Hens, as they came to be known, soon evolved into a carefully planned adventure group. Maria and Biddy, along with their fellow Hens, take great pride in planning every route, looking for interesting locations, creating challenges, and assessing the level of difficulty. Their achievements have been remarkable, with 50 Hens completing the Mournes Seven Peaks Challenge in 2025 and a smaller group conquering the Mourne Wall Challenge in just over two days.
However, the Hiking Hens are not just about physical challenges. They are also about friendship, support, and community. The group has become a force for good, supporting numerous charities and raising funds for those in need. Over the past five years, they have raised more than £14,000 for the terminally ill son of one of their members, and their efforts have inspired generosity from local businesses, who have donated goods and services to support their adventures.
The Hiking Hens have also become a symbol of female friendship and empowerment. As American author Rebecca Traister observed, "Female friendship has been the bedrock of women's lives for as long as there have been women." Modern research supports this view, showing that strong female friendships can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. With Northern Ireland recording the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK, and women disproportionately affected, the Hiking Hens are a shining example of how female friendships can be valued and nurtured.
The Hiking Hens' most recent adventure took them to Spain's Camino de Santiago. The group embarked on the final 115km of the famous pilgrimage, walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The journey was not without its challenges, with temperatures reaching around 36°C and the group walking more than 14 miles most days. However, the experience was deeply moving for many, with moments of solitude and connection with nature providing a sense of spiritual healing.
The Hiking Hens are not just about the physical journey, but also about the personal growth and connection that comes with it. As Maria reflects, "For many pilgrims, including several in our group, the Camino is about healing. Some had experienced bereavement or other trauma and hoped the journey would help them process those emotions."
The Hiking Hens are a testament to the power of female friendship and the transformative potential of the great outdoors. They are a group of women who have found solace, support, and adventure in the hills and trails of Northern Ireland and beyond. As they continue to explore new paths, they inspire others to embrace the healing power of nature and the strength of female friendship.
So, the next time you see a group of women hiking together, remember the Hiking Hens. They are a shining example of how a chance meeting can spark a movement that changes lives and challenges societal norms. As Maria and Biddy continue to lead the way, they inspire us all to embrace the power of female friendship and the healing potential of the great outdoors.
