Hiking Quotes by Famous Individuals - Barack Obama, Bear Grylls and many more

Our favourite hiking quotes and how they are actually hiking tips!

This page features hiking quotes by

  Sir Edmund Hillary,
  Bear Grylls,
  John Muir,
  Alfred Wainwright,
  Barack Obama,
  Arnold Schwarzenegger
  and
  Zhuangzi.

Sir Edmund Hillary (1919 – 2008)

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."

Short and simple but says so much about the mentality of explorers pushing themselves to overcome the odds. Nowhere near as dangerous as Everest, our hiking vacations section does offer some great ideas for those wanting big adventures and real advice.

Bear Grylls (born 1974)

"But I gotta eat."

"If you risk nothing you gain nothing."

Hopefully you won't have to resort to these bear-like survival tactics however our Hiking Food and Safe Hiking sections should help you be prepared for your hikes.

John Muir (1838 – 1914)

"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks."

Ah, the great outdoors. The freedom and the unknown, untamed wilderness. We think this is about enjoying the outdoors safely and suggest this hiking quote is a tip for Safe Hiking.

Alfred Wainwright (1907 – 1991)

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing."

Easy one this one. It relates to Hiking Clothing, Waterproof Clothing and Footwear. So have a look at the deals offered in the online shops such as Gearzone in the UK or in the US the Sierra Trading Post or try


Alfred Wainwright also wrote in his seven famous books:

Book One - A Pictorial Guide to the Eastern Fells

- is dedicated to

"The Men of the Ordnance Survey

whose maps of Lakeland have given me much pleasure both on the fells and by my fireside."

This reminds us to visit How to Use a Map and Compass.

Book Two - The Far Eastern Fells - is dedicated to the memory of

"The Men Who Built The Stone Walls"

Stone walls and fences are useful "handrails" when navigating.

Book Three - The Central Fells is dedicated to

"The dogs Of Lakeland" willing workers and faithful friends!

But make sure yours is well behaved around livestock!

Book Four - The Southern Fells is dedicated to "the hardiest of all fellwalkers -

The Sheep of Lakeland".

Just don't take a bearing on one!

Book Five - The Northern Fells is dedicated to "those who travel alone

The Solitary Wanderers On The Fells

who find contentment in the companionship of the mountains and of the creatures of the mountains".

Make sure you carry your map and compass or may may stay solitary for longer than you planned.

Book Six - The North Western Fells - is dedicated to "those unlovely twins

My Right Leg and My Left Leg

- staunch supporters that have carried me about half a century, endured much without complaint and never once let me down.

Keep them fit with plenty of exercise.

The Final Book Seven - The Western Fells - is dedicated to

"All Who Have Helped Me sometimes with advice, sometimes with information, sometimes with no more than a friendly nod or smile. They are too many to be named, and indeed some are unknown, anonymous fellow-walkers who pass the time of day and are gone. I must, however, thank my wife, for not standing in my way, and a few special friends who would not ask for identification here, for making the way easier for me to travel. It has been a long and lonely way, but I have trodden it increasingly aware of the goodwill and encouragement of many kind people, most of whom I shall never meet. And now, after thirteen years, I have come to the end of it and my final task, a difficult one, is to find words adequate to express my appreciation to everybody who has helped. The least I can do, is to acknowledge my debt by this dedication."

A helping hand should always be appreciated!

Barack Obama (born 1961)

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress."

To us, this is about knowing where you want to go and aim for it, one small step at a time i.e. Navigation - The Big Picture.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (born 1947)

"I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street."

Show-off! We may have some way to go to get to Arnie's build, but we think this relates to building and maintaining your fitness through Fitness Training.

Got to say it… "I'll be back!" …Ok, feeling better now.

Zhuangzi (369 – 286 BC)

"I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river."

Finishing off with an almost poetic quote that reminds us of the joy and peacefulness of why we go hiking. With today's technology we can quickly capture and relive those beautiful spots on camera, see Hiking Gadgets.

That's the end of our famous hiking quotes for now. We hope you found them interesting.