London’s online daters discover a liking for hiking

Did you know there are 35,000 acres of green space and more than 3,000 parks in London? It’s all valid reason why the number of city dwellers – keen and eager to pull on a pair of wellies or walking boots – signing up to Muddy Matches is soaring at the moment.

Yes, across the manicured lawns of the eight Royal Parks, through the Thames Chase Community Forest, love is in the air; and it appears London’s singles are definitely breathing it in when it comes to sharing their new-found love for life outdoors.

Recent research says that hiking has been the number one topic of choice in messages exchanged between London’s online daters during the 120 days of lockdown.

That’s right, our friends at Inner Circle are reporting that hiking er, peaked at a 145% increase making it the most talked about subject on dating apps. It absolutely bears fruit with what we have seen here at Muddy Matches during lockdown with hoards of new face joining up with one thing on their mind; to share their countryside experiences with people who appreciate fresh air and mud on their boots.

The research also reported that London’s singles scene had a penchant for picnics in the park as a perfectly acceptable date option whilst bars and restaurants were closed – with survey results suggesting a 97% hike in people proposing a picnic by way of a ‘getting to know you’ session.

We agree,there’s nothing quite like letting that chemistry slowly work its magic whilst sat on a argyll-print picnic rug with thermos flask in hand (although we suspect the urban park picnic dater may come luxury hamper-packed with some prosecco and slightly higher-end nibbles than a rucksack-warm sausage roll and some Kendal mint cake).

And the reason for this new found liking for hiking and romantic picnics in the park? Well experts believe the changing online dating website behaviour is due to people being ‘forced’ to take part in outdoor activity. Here at Muddy Matches though, outdoor pursuits are a way of life for our 300,000+ singletons, all looking to unearth someone to explore with.

And whether you are a city dweller who appreciates green space or someone deep rooted in rural life, everyone’s welcome.