An off-grid mountain gig launches over 40 free hikes across the UK

A mountain gig, billed as the UK’s most remote, challenged hikers and music fans to get lost in the music – quite literally.

The Off-Grid Gig, part of Columbia Hike Society’s HikeFest, a new festival of hiking, launched a series of over 40 free hikes across the UK this summer.

The free hikes are open to all and will visit every corner of the UK, from the Jurassic Coast to the Cairngorms.

Its aim is to inspire Brits to travel to and explore some of the UK’s most beautiful locations.

May Beaufort, a Columbia Hike Society ambassador who was at the off-grid gig, said: “Hiking to the UK’s most remote gig was absolutely wild.

“We hiked up a mountain, along a ridge and down into a secluded valley where we were treated some beautiful live music.

“The hills came alive with the sound of the music. The artist’s voice was echoing between the mountains – it was like being at a festival with thousands of fans singing back. It was genuinely moving.”

“To see people travel from across the UK to be part of it was amazing. That’s what it’s all about, connecting people and making friendships.

“We’d love to see new people join us on one of the 40 free hikes this summer.”

Hikers were required to climb deep into the Snowdonia mountains before reaching a natural amphitheatre where an intimate, acoustic gig took place.

The experience saw two up-and-coming artists perform an open-air set in-front of an audience of intrepid explorers.

The event was hosted by the Columbia Hike Society in partnership with Sofar Sounds. The hiking community and global music movement have joined forces in a bid to showcase the connection of music and the great outdoors.

Located in the wilderness, the location was a place where phone signal begins to falter.  The event’s aim was to encourage attendees to put their phones down and connect with the music and the natural world around them.

The line-up included Jack Cullen, an English-Irish singer-songwriter known for his soft indie pop soundscapes and mellow guitar playing.

Cullen was joined by Alice Boyd, a composer, sound artist and field recordist whose songs and sound are inspired by nature.
The artists were supported by a chorus of natural sounds provided by the elements in their mountainous surroundings.

For tickets to one of Columbia Hike Society’s free hikes this summer, visit https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/l/columbia-hike-society.