In brief
Addressing racial disparities on UK trails, Rhiane Fatinikun's Black Girls Hike fosters inclusivity and shatters stereotypes about who belongs in nature.
United by a shared challenge, fifteen women climb the steep stone steps of the Yorkshire Dales, their determined ascent mirrored by the rising Victorian arches in the distance. Guided by Rhiane Fatinikun, these women tackle mist-shrouded peaks, part of a summer hiking challenge that transcends mere physical effort. It was Fatinikun’s vision in 2019 to bridge the visible racial gap among British hikers that led to the founding of Black Girls Hike. Her movement aims to open up the UK’s scenic trails to those who are often unseen in such spaces, countering the notion that outdoor recreation is exclusive to the white middle and upper classes."Sometimes it’s actually quite sad, because you realize how people are going through life and just not being seen, not being able to be themselves," reflects Fatinikun, 37. Her leadership has sparked change, offering a welcoming environment where Black women can explore the countryside and fully be themselves. Black Girls Hike continues to redefine outdoor participation, imbuing the act of hiking with a profound sense of belonging and identity for everyone.
