Many people walk as a hobby, and it is often enjoyed as a form of exercise. Fitness walkers may use a pedometer to count their steps.

In some countries walking as a hobby is known as hiking (the typical North American term), rambling (a British expression, which remains in use because it is enshrined in the title of the important Ramblers' Association), or tramping (the invariable term in New Zealand). Hiking is a subtype of walking, generally used to mean walking in nature areas on specially designated routes or trails, as opposed to in urban environments; however, hiking can also refer to any long-distance walk

In Britain, the Ramblers' Association is the biggest organisation that looks after the interests of walkers. A registered charity, it has 139,000 members.

Walking as a leisure activity can suit all ages and fitness levels, as the intensity can be suited to individual needs.