Hiking. Being at one with nature. Getting a rollicking good workout, while taking in lungfuls of crisp, unpolluted air. Freeing oneself, however temporarily, from the trappings of consumerism. It’s easy to see the allure. Yet despite this, I’ve always had a natural aversion to all things uphill. The unflattering crinkly material, fusty sleeping bags, compasses I can barely read and fires I can hardly start. Besides, why bother when we can live vicariously through alpha males such as Bear Grylls or Ray Mcars? Far easier on the legs, too. I am, however, an excellent armchair hiker.