Hiking: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, absolutely. I find it really therapeutic to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and just be surrounded by greenery. Last weekend, for instance, I went on a ten-kilometre trek along a coastal path near my hometown, and it was a wonderful way to clear my head.

Probably once or twice a month, usually at weekends when I have got some free time. During the working week I am tied to a desk, so I try to make a conscious effort to head out to a local nature reserve whenever the weather holds up.

There is a national park about an hour's drive from where I live, which is my go-to spot. It has quite rugged terrain with forested hills and a lovely lake in the middle, so it feels very peaceful and secluded.

Not really, to be honest. My parents were not particularly outdoorsy, so we mostly spent our holidays visiting museums or staying at seaside resorts. I only really developed an interest in trekking when I went on a weekend camping trip with university friends.

I usually prefer going with a small group of close friends. It is great for catching up without the distraction of mobile phones, and having someone else there is handy if you happen to take a wrong turn on the trails.

I would love to, definitely. Hiking in the Scottish Highlands or even the Swiss Alps is on my bucket list. The mountain scenery looks breathtaking in photos, and tackling steeper trails would be an exciting challenge for me.