In recent years, hiking has surged in popularity, and more people are hitting the trails to achieve their health and fitness goals. At the forefront of this movement is ‘Blazing Trails’, a hiking group founded by Lewiston Smith that has captured the spirit of this fitness trend and turned it into a vibrant community focused on well-being and adventure.
Smith’s passion for hiking was ignited at 19 during a memorable trek from St. James to Bathsheba with the St. Leonard’s Old Scholars Association, and he has been dedicated to the trail ever since. His commitment to health and wellness is deeply rooted in his family’s experience with diabetes. With both parents and six siblings – three sisters and three brothers – diagnosed with diabetes, Smith’s memories are marked by witnessing his family grapple with the numerous health complications associated with the chronic disease.
Smith shared with Diabetes Today that his father, diagnosed at 60, struggled with diet changes and refused medication, ultimately passing away from a stroke at 78 – a loss he attributes to uncontrolled diabetes. His mother, on the other hand, managed her diabetes with more discipline, living to 96 despite complications from the disease.
One brother and all three sisters have succumbed to the condition, but he confessed that the death of his eldest sister, who had diabetes-related blindness, was particularly difficult. In fact, it was her death that catalyzed Smith’s decision to prioritize his health. Determined to avoid his family’s fate, he has adopted a healthy, disciplined lifestyle to ensure he remains diabetes-free.
“She was a nurse, and you would have thought that she would have been looking after herself. She refused to take the insulin. She went blind first because the diabetes affected her eyesight, and then diabetes took her. My sister was the one that raised me. My mother was busy looking after the house and making sure that we ate, and my sister educated me; she brought me the books, and she would teach me. I was very close to her, so when she went blind, first, and then died, it was a wakeup call for me,” he told Diabetes Today.
He continued, “After her passing, I began reflecting more on my health. It struck me that I was the only one in my family who didn’t have diabetes. So, I increased my hikes. I always ate reasonably well, perhaps not as good as I should, but I always ate reasonably well, so I doubled down, cut alcohol to a minimum, and ate fruits, but limited the kind. I ate a lot of vegetables, started eating only chicken and fish, but mostly fish, and boiled most of my food. I started to educate myself – I read everything I could about diabetes. I continued seeing my doctor, and each report indicated that my blood sugar levels were good. So, the doctor advised me to keep doing what I was doing.”
The Evolution of Blazing Trails
His personal journey of health transformation was mirrored in the evolution of the Blazing Trails Hiking Association. What began as a modest fitness initiative for himself and his community has grown into a thriving community movement.
Blazing Trails Hiking Association has evolved over the years from its humble beginnings in 2013 as ‘Lew Hiking’ to the vibrant hiking group it is known to be today. Originally founded as ‘Trail Blazers’, the hiking group was rebranded to ‘Blazing Trails’ in 2015 due to the original name being taken. The Association is managed by a seven-member committee of experienced hikers who are prepared to selflessly give their time and talents to serve the membership. They started with a Tuesday night hike at 6:30 p.m., but as word spread, they quickly expanded.
“We started with just two or three people going up and down Mount Pleasant Hill, and then we moved the location to the University and then took it into a hike. So, we had at most five, six, then 10, and when we got 28, we thought we were big, and then it kept growing through word of mouth. We eventually started getting massive numbers, over 100 people turning up for the hike.”
He recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in numbers. After the first lockdown, there was a huge turnout, and even after the second lockdown, the numbers continued to grow.
“The reason for it was very simple: people couldn’t do a lot of things that they would normally have done, such as going to the gym. Hiking was one of the areas that was recommended, but in small numbers. So, we had a lot of small groups,” he said while adding that as the
Tuesday hikes became increasingly crowded participants began requesting additional days.
From his perspective, Smith realized that maintaining fitness required more than just one or two hikes a week; a minimum of three was needed for consistency. Therefore, he introduced a Thursday ‘Power Hike’ lasting between one and one and a half hours. Initially designed for those who preferred running or brisk walking, it quickly became evident that a second group was necessary to accommodate those who couldn’t maintain the faster pace.
Some participants also expressed a desire for a less intense but still enjoyable option. In response, the Saturday morning ‘Exploration Hike’ was introduced. This hike focuses on nature, including flowers, wildlife, history, and local traditions, allowing for a slower pace and a more relaxed experience.
Promoting Health Through Hiking
Smith described hiking as “highly contagious.” He explained to Diabetes Today, “Once you get into it, people want to join every hike. It’s a great thing, but it can be all-consuming.”
He said that hiking is a low-impact, outdoor recreational activity with minimal costs. All you need are appropriate shoes, clothing, and a hat. It’s easy on the body—participants can walk at their own pace, as it’s not a race. Blazing Trails’ hikes usually last between one and two and a half hours, depending on the day.
Smith notes that hiking appeals to people because it offers a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints. He believes that hiking is more than just physical exercise for Blazing Trails members—it’s a holistic experience that supports mental and emotional well-being. Smith also highlights the profound mental health benefits of hiking, including stress relief and a deeper connection with nature. Hiking allows individuals to disconnect from daily distractions and engage with their environment in a meaningful way.
“When I first started hiking, it was purely for physical fitness. However, as I became more deeply involved, I discovered its mental benefits. Hiking offers a chance to disconnect from social media, phones, radio, television, and the outside world. It allows you to focus on yourself, the trees, landscape, blending in with nature. This immersion is extremely good for mental health.”
He continued, “Not only does hiking help you switch off, but it also teaches you about Barbados. I learned how to navigate the island and gained insight into our island. However, I also encountered the ‘bad side,’ such as littering. This issue is prevalent throughout Barbados, highlighting the need for a program—rather than just a law—that helps people understand the long-term impact of littering and the problems it creates for others.”
Engaging New Hikers
In addition to raising awareness about issues like littering, Smith said that at Blazing Trails, they ensure that each hike is enjoyable and caters to various fitness levels. This welcoming environment, he said, keeps both beginners and seasoned hikers engaged.
“Our focus on making every hike a memorable adventure helps foster a sense of community and encourages participants to return,” he maintained, adding, “We incorporate activities beyond hiking, such as dance and educational talks on various wellness topics. This holistic approach enriches the hiking experience and promotes a well-rounded view of health and well-being.”
Looking Ahead
At 75, Smith’s passion and dedication continue to drive Blazing Trails forward. Under his leadership, Blazing Trails is not just guiding hikers. The association embodies the resilience and commitment to health that Smith has championed throughout his life, and through its hikes, charity walks, and health and wellness lectures, it is making a difference, touching individual lives and strengthening the community as a whole.