A hike is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the
countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the
eighteenth century. Long hikes as part of a religious pilgrimage have
existed for a much longer time. "Hiking" is the preferred term in Canada
and the United States; the term "walking" is used in these regions for
shorter, particularly urban walks. In the United Kingdom and Ireland,
the word "walking" describes all forms of walking, whether it is a walk
in the park or backpacking in the Alps.
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