Year after year, Trinity’s Hiking Society remains one of the College’s most iconic and popular. This success was awarded in physical form at the CSC Awards in March, in which the society won both Best Postgraduate Engagement and Best Large Society. Off the back of this achievement and with the new college year just on the horizon, I took this as the perfect opportunity to sit down with Charlotte Orme, this year’s Trinity Hiking chairperson, to reflect on the last year and to learn what’s in store for the society in the coming year.
I began by asking Charlotte to reflect on the society’s reaction to winning Best Large Society: “It was really surreal” she remarked. “We’d never submitted to CSC before, and we’d already won Postgraduate Engagement, so we thought we weren’t going to win any more awards”. The group was ecstatic: “We did so much work last year . . . it really paid off in that we won the award.”
“When [the announcer] called our name, it gave us a really, really big push that this year, we can do more stuff.” The award has brought a wind of motivation for Trinity Hiking to be bigger and better this year: “We take about thirty people hiking every week” said Charlotte. “I’d love to do bigger hikes, you know, take two buses [instead of one], and more weekend trips – we’re planning those.” Trinity Hiking organises group hikes most Sundays, with Reading Week and weekend trips sprinkled throughout, such as a trip to Kerry last April.
Before asking Charlotte more about the Hiking Society’s future plans, I wanted her perspective on what attracts so many people to the society. She felt that there were a plethora of reasons, suggesting that Gen-Z feels a deepening connection to nature in the wake of the climate crisis. For Charlotte personally, it offers an alternative to the gym or team sports: “Hiking is a form of exercise I can do every week with people and it’s social, but it’s not competitive”. She noted in addition that the society is popular with international students, who are able to meet new friends and see more of Ireland on a budget.
Trinity hiking “fills a niche” of offering activities beyond pub nights and clubbing, something that increases its appeal with each coming year. As put by Charlotte: “ I think people are increasingly more interested in sober life and not going out all the time, and socializing without drink being present”.
In response to being asked about the skills needed to join Hiking Soc, Charlotte emphasised that “you do not have to be an experienced hiker”. “I wasn’t really a hiker up until probably about three years ago. Now I’m really, really into it.” All are welcome to Trinity hikes; that is, if you bring the correct gear.
“What gear is needed for hikes?” I asked. Charlotte pointed to the society’s Instagram page (@tcdhiking) as a spot to consult on what gear to bring. For their weekly hikes, it is important to bring a packed lunch, water, weather-appropriate gear, and more. She felt it was crucial to mention the importance of ankle support in hiking boots. “The boots are the biggest thing.” A pinned post on their Instagram page outlines what an acceptable boot is for participating in hikes.
I asked Charlotte her opinion on the best ways for freshers to get involved in Trinity Hiking, and what events to look forward to. “We’ll be at the on-campus Freshers Fair,” she said. “We’ll be at the [Trinity Hall] Freshers Fair, and the TAP Orientation Fair on Saturday the 13th.” Their current plans are to hold a beach evening on Bull Island sometime during Fresher’s Week (date to be announced). “Maybe we’ll have a picnic as well. All up in the air at the moment. Very bad.” she laughed. While plans are not currently set in stone, it is clear they have the ambition to make events that anyone looking to socialise and meet new people should look out for. She wants to encourage freshers and also postgraduates to interact with them during this time, as they are currently looking for both a first-year and Postgraduate rep.
I closed the conversation by asking Charlotte if there were any closing remarks she wanted to make. “I think it’s one of the best societies in Trinity. It’s where I found community in Trinity. It’s so okay to show up to hiking events alone. Most people show up to hiking events alone. I think that’s really good that you can show up without knowing anybody.” It’s clear that the leadership behind Trinity Hiking this year is committed to carrying on its legacy as a place for anyone to meet new people without judgement, a philosophy that carried the society on to win the Best Large Society.
