6th May 2025

Walk Beside Me: A Mother’s Day Reflection from the Trail

There’s a quiet kind of wisdom that comes from walking beside someone — not in front of them, not behind — but beside. Step for step. Breath for breath. It’s where connection is found. And for many of us, the first person we ever walked beside was our mum.

This Mother’s Day, we’re not thinking about the usual gifts. We’re thinking about those shared footsteps.The hikes where words weren’t needed. The times she slowed down just to match your pace. The moments she carried your water, your backpack — maybe even you — and never once made it feel like a burden.

At The Hike Collective, we see this kind of love every day. On the trails of Perth and beyond, mothers — and mother-figures — walk beside their children, their friends, and their communities. They lead not with ego, but with presence. They listen. They notice. And often, they’re the ones who remind us to look up and admire the view.

The Power of the Trail

Nature has always been a great equaliser. There’s no Wi-Fi on the trail, but the connection runs deeper. It’s where we let go of the busyness, strip back the noise, and come back to something simple and grounding. A dirt path. A shared thermos of tea. A quiet moment between trees.

We often say that hiking isn’t about conquering mountains — it’s about coming home to ourselves. And when we walk with someone we love — especially a mother or maternal figure — that feeling is magnified. We hear stories from our hiking community all the time. One mum hiked with her daughter every weekend to help her through anxiety. Another brought her mother, in her 70s, on a guided hike to reconnect after years apart. Then there are the solo hikers who walk to feel close to a mother who’s no longer here — knowing she’d love the birdsong and bushland just as much as they do.

These are living proof that hiking is more than movement — it’s memory, healing, and love in motion.

Here in Perth, we’re spoiled with natural beauty. From the soft forest trails of John Forrest National Park to the panoramic views from Lesmurdie Falls, we’re surrounded by places that invite reconnection — with nature, with others, and with ourselves.

For a slow, intentional walk with Mum, we love:

Kings Park Law Walk

Ideal for: Mums who love wildflowers, city views, and an easy-paced stroll
Why it’s special: Just minutes from the city, this trail winds through native bushland with views over the Swan River. Perfect for a post-hike coffee and a long chat under the trees.

Lesmurdie Falls Walk Trail

Ideal for: Mums who appreciate a little adventure with their calm
Why it’s special: The cascading falls are stunning after rain, and the trails offer both gentle and challenging routes — all with sweeping valley views.

Bells Rapids Walk

Ideal for: Mums who love fresh air and riverside scenery
Why it’s special: The sound of the Avon River, granite boulders, and open skies make this a peaceful escape — especially at sunrise.

These trails aren’t just routes through nature — they’re pathways to presence. When you walk together without distraction, things surface. Conversations deepen. Silences soften. It’s as though nature does half the talking for you.

Mothers — in all their forms — are often the first to help others find their footing, both in life and on the trail. They carry the emotional load. They anticipate needs before they’re spoken. They lead with an intuition that says, “I’ve got you.”

We witness this kind of presence daily. A mother nudging her child to drink water. A friend placing a steady hand on a shoulder during a steep descent. A grandmother sharing stories from decades ago, her voice full of wonder as if it happened just yesterday.

It’s these small, unnoticed moments that make the outdoors feel like home. They remind us that being cared for is not weakness — it’s the foundation of strength.

Hiking as a Language of Love

For some of us, saying “I love you” doesn’t come easily. But hiking gives us a different way to express it. It’s in packing a snack you know she likes. It’s in slowing down your pace without making it obvious. It’s in pointing out the kookaburra she didn’t see or sitting beside her when she needs a rest.

Love, in this context, is active. It moves. It notices. It stays present.

And that’s why hiking with your mum, or someone who’s been like a mum to you, can be such a powerful experience. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. It just needs to be shared time — undistracted, unhurried, and real.

Not Just for the Day — But for the Story

While we acknowledge Mother’s Day each May, the truth is, motherhood — and the gratitude we carry for it — doesn’t fit neatly into a single date on the calendar. It lives in the daily things. The small steps. The trail mix she remembers you like. The way she turns her face toward the sun and says, “Let’s stay here a little longer.”

And so, we invite you to make a different kind of plan this Mother’s Day.

Instead of a gift, give your presence.

Instead of a card, share a conversation under the trees.

Instead of brunch, try a bush walk.

You don’t need to go far — but you do need to go slow.

Let this be a day where you walk without rushing.

A Note to the Mums in Our Community

To every mother who has hiked with us — thank you. Thank you for showing your kids what strength looks like. Thank you for leading with humility, for laughing through the uphill climbs, and for modelling what it means to move with purpose.

You remind us that nature isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a mirror. And when we walk beside you, we see ourselves more clearly.

Whether you’re a new mum, a mother navigating grief, or someone who holds space for others — we see you. And we honour the way you show up on and off the trail.

Looking for a Place to Walk Together?

Whether you’re planning a gentle trail walk or a guided experience, we’re here to help you and your loved ones find the right path. Our hikes are designed for all fitness levels and offer the kind of grounded, meaningful moments that stay with you long after the hike ends.

Or, simply pick a trail and go. No pressure. No plans. Just you, Mum, and the open sky above.

Mother’s Day doesn’t need to be loud. Sometimes the most powerful way to celebrate someone is by walking beside them — really walking. Listening. Being. Sharing the silence and the sunshine.

Because in the end, it’s not about reaching the summit. It’s about who walked with you to get there.

From all of us at The Hike Collective,

Happy Mother’s Day.
May your steps be steady, your breath full, and your heart open.