Princess Kate's love of the great outdoors is inspiring women to hit the hills

Princess Kate has an impressive way of making even the most daunting challenges look completely manageable.

During her recent visit to the Isle of Bute in Scotland with Prince William, the Princess of Wales once again demonstrated her athletic side when the couple were shown a tractor and trailer. 

After William was given a quick lesson behind the wheel, Kate climbed down from the cab of the Massey Ferguson tractor, taking a surprisingly athletic leap from the top step before smoothly turning to close the door behind her.

Even in a long Burberry trench coat, the royal made the move look remarkably easy.

It was another reminder of Kate’s love of an active lifestyle, but her most ambitious challenge came earlier this year when she completed the National Three Peaks Challenge.

The demanding feat saw the Princess climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in Wales – traditionally completed within 24 hours.

For anyone who has ever contemplated swapping a gentle countryside stroll for a mountain climb, Kate’s achievement may feel both inspiring and slightly intimidating.

One writer found herself testing exactly that theory after taking part in a Lace Up and Trek challenge for Petals, a charity providing counselling for people affected by baby loss. 

Having experienced the charity’s support personally after losing her baby at 23 weeks of pregnancy 12 years ago, taking on the challenge felt like a meaningful way to support its work.

Living in Cambridgeshire, where the landscape is famously flat, the idea of tackling a mountain was far removed from the usual exercise routine. 

Personal trainer and online coach Ben de Zille Butler of BBFit says hiking can be particularly useful for women experiencing hormonal changes, helping to maintain muscle strength, bone density and general fitness.