Rambling together – why we should all Walk and Talk more
Tanne Spielman is Acting Head of Engagement at The Ramblers. The Ramblers is a charity whose goal is to protect the ability of people to enjoy the sense of freedom and benefits that come from being outdoors on foot. Find out how they’re encouraging people to Be More Us by Walking and Talking.
“How are you doing? It’s nice weather today, isn’t it? Is this your first time here?”
Finding your feet
Too many of us today feel alone but starting a conversation with someone new seems overwhelming.
Walking can be a perfect way of overcoming this, to meet new people and get talking.
We know that loneliness can affect anyone, at any point in their life.
At the Ramblers, we’re bringing more people together across Britain who may feel isolated and want to connect with their community.
“Whether you’re strolling through your local park or hiking up a hill, walking can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.”
With hundreds of group walks happening each year, we hear wonderful stories about the social connections and interactions that have developed whilst walking.
Gina’s story
Gina, a scientist, who joined her local Ramblers group in Cambridge told us:
“I used to have little interaction with people and I often sat at home and cried on the weekend, without knowing what to do and lacking motivation.
Going on my first Ramblers walk was frightening, but afterwards I felt fantastic as the group was really friendly.
Walking with other people helped me to feel like myself again.
I didn’t plan to make friends, but it came naturally. Once you keep going along on walks, you become absorbed into the group.
“Walking with other people helped me to feel like myself again.”
Being in nature in beautiful surroundings really relaxes me and so I feel able to reach out to other people without any pressure.
It is difficult to open up, but you can start talking in your own way. I said, “I feel isolated and lonely” and then started to realise that other people feel that way too.
Everyone has ups and downs and we all have different things to deal with. I soon understood that I am not alone.
I like being able to walk with other people and not always having to talk but being with them makes me feel safe. The walking is not too demanding, and you don’t have to be fit to do it.
Walking fills your mind with energy and positive thoughts. I would definitely encourage more people to get out walking and talking. It has the potential to literally save lives.”
“I like being able to walk with other people and not always having to talk but being with them makes me feel safe.”
How to get involved
Whether you’re strolling through your local park or hiking up a hill, walking can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
We know that there are different times when people can struggle more than usual.
In summer, there’s often a pressure to have fun with friends in the sunshine while in winter the family-centred festivities can make many of us feel left out.
In research we conducted last year, more than one in ten adults (14%) in Britain admitted they feel lonelier during the festive season than during the rest of the year.
That’s why we’re gearing up to our yearly Festival of Winter Walks (from 20th December 2019 – 6 January 2020) when anyone can join a festive walk with a friendly group near to home.
And you can join one of our group walks in your area anytime of the year. You may be one step away from a life-changing ramble.
Find out more about the Ramblers and our festival and find your local group here.
Let’s get outdoors.
Let’s walk and talk together.
Let’s #BeMoreUs.