The Path We Take: Athene Club x Holzweiler

Nature is at the core of everything we do; it’s always our preferred setting for re-centring ourselves and to seek inspiration for where to take Holzweiler next. When we first connected with Athene we were instantly struck by the parallels between us, and the years since then have served to strengthen our bond. We recently checked in with Athene, joining them on a hike to Eridge Rocks on Saturday, 7th September. It was a chance to get to know the group better in their natural habitat, and to road test transitional pieces from our AW ‘25 collection on British soil.

You’ve become a cult name in the U.K hiking scene. What are some of your favourite hiking trails that are a train ride away from London?

Liv - My favourite hiking trails that are a train away from London are Eridge Rocks and Broadwater Forest loop, Hastings Country Park loop and Seven Sister Cliffs - the Seaford to Eastbourne way. I like to come back to locations that feel different and have a wow-effect but are in close proximity and easy to get to from London.

Zaineb - I always find that taking the train to destinations West of London; to places like Amersham and Chesham, are my favourites. The open spaces and rolling hills make a nice change from the leafier forests to the East of London. The walks near the end of the Metropolitan line have also always been my favourite.

Athene continues to grow as a movement. Do you have any goals to achieve next, short-term or long-term?

Zaineb - Consistency is key! I feel we’ve come a really long way as a community and I’m most proud of the people it attracts/speaks to. Continuing to speak to women who want to engage in activities with like-minded people is always the reward. Long-term, I’d like to see us access better training plans and be involved in more established sports/run competitions. Access to bigger and more different terrain is a huge goal. 

Liv - We have stayed true to ourselves and allowed for Athene Club to grow organically at its own pace rather than rush or push to achieve big things from the start, which has allowed us to grow in many more ways over the past 4 years than we could think of. Since there’s been less pressure to accomplish things in a short time, we have had more capacity to learn how to program and run our community group in its truest form and this year alone we have managed to tick off many of our goals and ideas; like organising our first retreat and then a camping trip, run our first international race and have our own cheerzone at the London Marathon. We are preparing ourselves for our big 5th year anniversary next year which will be a great opportunity to achieve more goals like going on an international hiking trip as a community group, expanding our retreats and camping trips, and secure more of the bigger international races like Tokyo, New York, Berlin etc. Also just generally expanding the creative space and identity we have built via more workshops, social events & collaborations [is another goal].

So an Athene trip outside the U.K could happen? Norway is well known for its mountainous terrain and there’s a lot of people at Holzweiler HQ who’d love to join you on a hike…

Liv - I’m ready for the Athene x Holzweiler Norway Community trip whenever you are! Taking Athene internationally has always been a goal, but it would just really need to make sense for us and our community.

What goes through your mind when deciding what to wear on a hike?

Liv - I honestly have to check the weather app around 5 times before deciding what to wear on the morning of the hike.  The weather in the U.K is so unpredictable, I usually have to think about preparing for every circumstance so I like to wear my warmer layers first and then I eventually end up stripping them off, and I like to pack shorts or spare tops and more layers for hotter or colder changes in temperature. A hiking girl needs options! 

What are you enjoying most about the Holzweiler pieces you’re wearing today?

Liv - I find Holzweiler clothes to be durable and well-made. The fabrics feel good against the skin. I was cosy and protected with my Holzweiler jacket during the day.

Zaineb - Holzweiler feels sleek and elevated! These pieces let me stay true to who I am and how I usually dress in the city, while making me feel even more like myself in the outdoors.

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in taking up hiking, but isn’t sure how to go about it?

Liv - This is exactly why Athene Club exists. We organise all the logistics of going on a day hike for our community and all they need to do is get familiar with the information and show up on the day. Walking is for everyone and it’s the easiest physical activity you can do alone, or with friends and family. Starting local in a London park (Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park) or at the end of the TFL line (Epping Forest or Chiltern Hills) is always going to be easier and more manageable than going to more intermediate places. It’s just about getting your body used to 10K+ steps a day and then a gradual incline and then you’re all good to go.

Zaineb - the internet is your best friend! As well as posting a story you can just ask people [directly], those who live amongst green spaces will always know more local routes or starting points. Apps like Kamooot or All trails have many options to help guide you. I would always start either east of London or Southwest, you can find good walks and parks at both ends of the train lines.

What are the benefits of hiking in a group, as opposed to solo?

Liv - Hiking in a group offers a real sense of community. You share the experience, encourage each other on tough inclines or climbs, and create new connections. There’s also a safety aspect, there’s more eyes and hands if something goes wrong. Solo hikes are peaceful and introspective and I’m a big advocate that we as women can do solo hikes, stay safe and be liberated as individuals, but group hikes do bring new connections and there’s safety in numbers.

Zaineb - Hiking as a group brings up feelings of nostalgia. You're on a day trip and journey together, going through different moods and being challenged differently - all these feelings become shared, therefore you strengthen dynamics and friendships. It leaves you with a sense of sisterhood and the same feeling you had when you were young after going on a school trip.

Dedicated runners say they experience a ‘runner’s high’, do you experience anything similar that keeps you coming back to the hiking trail?

Liv - I wouldn’t say I get the same kind of high that runners talk about, but hiking definitely gives me a deep sense of peace and belonging. There’s something about being surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and moving at my own pace that resets my mind every time. I usually come back from the hike feeling lighter and more grounded. I feel a strong connection to nature, and that sense of peace and freedom keeps me returning to the outdoors.

Zaineb - There’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment once a hike is done but I think generally the body feels euphoric when you push through hard circumstances. There’s definitely euphoria and joy after hiking up a steep stretch.

Summer has ended and we’re heading into Autumn - what’s your favourite season to hike in?

Liv - I’m very much into hiking and enjoying the outdoors in Spring and Summer, when the Earth feels like it’s coming back to life. Everywhere is greener, there’s blossoms and the days are longer so you can enjoy your hikes in full. I prefer the warmth of the sunshine on my skin when I’m hiking over being cold and cosy.