What’s in store a year of walking 1000 miles? The favourite photos of 1000 milers from last year are a reliable guide. What’s it all about?….
Fellowship
‘This picture just fills me with joy and love. It was taken on the day our little lockdown-formed group made it to the top of Pen y Fan in May. In the planning for at least six months, some of us had picked up a few injuries and weren’t at our fittest, and the day we chose dawned very misty. One of us wouldn’t have started the walk had she seen what was coming! But we slowly made our way to the top, enjoying the fabulous views when the mist rolled back to reveal the bluest sky, and we could see forever. Taking this selfie at the top, I felt immensely proud of all of us!’ – Yvonne Gould
Bucket-list ticks
‘I’d never been to the Peak District before. I did a fabulous circular walk which included 3 reservoirs & the fabulous Trinnacle which I'd had on my bucket list for around a year. I was inspired by several in the group to do this walk. This walk certainly didn't disappoint!’ – Paul Miller
Dominion!
There are walks you’ll do so often you’ll feel like you own the, Paul Weir’s lucky this is his: ‘Ben A’an is my favourite small hill and I can get from sofa to summit in less than 90 minutes. It’s my go to hill if time is limited and I need to get out – and whatever the weather I always feel better when I get back down.’
Laughter
My first walk with my daughter on her return from Uni for the Christmas holidays. This photo was taken at Whiteleaf Cross in The Chilterns one of my favourite areas and it was so blustery we couldn’t stop laughing. To me this photo sums up the fun, companionship and unexpected nature of walking! – Judith Lane
Triumph
‘For someone who only last year was still scared and lacked confidence crossing a bridge, nerve mind traversing a rocky mountain, this pic of me in the Langdale Pikes represents a huge achievement and as such sums up my year!’ – Alison Ward
Unforgettable moments
Like this, when John Spencer and his Walk 1000 Miles East Midlands chums visited Mam Tor in September to see the sunrise.
Or this… baby’s first outdoor bottle: ‘My little Wiggles first proper walk at just 16 days old, as we popped out for coffee and cake then a walk along the Downslink. We’ll be making a lot more memories on out mile this year!’ says Jenni Richardson.
Perfect days
‘It was a perfect day, perfect weather, in a perfect place and I was happy and at peace. I am much more confident walking on my own in the Peaks because of #walk1000miles and this photo sums up how I feel about it’ – Catherine Muirhead.
Firsts
‘My absolute favourite photo of my walking year: my little girl about to take her final step at the summit of Grey Knotts in the Lake District, her first proper mountain. Very proud moment!’ – Dave Hoyle
Joy
‘Me and my niece Abigail caught in the act of jumping in muddy puddles at Rother Valley Country Park. We did 6 miles and got very wet and muddy. I have several mental illnesses and taking part in Walk 1000 Miles since 2022 has enabled me to grow more confident in leaving the house and enjoying myself with family. This makes me very happy.’ – Jenna Boden
Discovery
‘We stumbled across this huge and beautiful abandoned manor house in the depths of Cornwall while walking with my partner and his children’. Magical, Michelle Walsh!
Serenity
‘Buttermere in November before a meet-up of 1000 milers in Keswick. A walk and a memory that sticks with me.’ – Rachel Wilson
Overcoming
‘I love this photo of me finishing a 13 mile walk back towards my home town (you can see Salisbury Cathedral in the distance). I've been on more picturesque and exciting walks but I really think this one sums up the sense of achievement and happiness walking brings to me especially. I started walking for my mental health, and years ago I couldn't even leave the house so it's been huge for me’ – Tracy Beneke
Perspective
‘What's better than walking with good friends? It's not with everyone, or everyday, you can lie in the heather and laugh!’ – Jean Walker
Curiosity
‘Not my longest walk but most thought provoking, at Avebury. Why did ancient people place these stones as they did?’ – Roger Moore
Community
‘This is what I'm most proud of in 2023 – meeting fellow badgers in the Peak District which took me out of my comfort zone and helped me with a tough spell I was going through at the time. The benefit of being part of this group of incredible people is simply incalculable’ – Andy Askin
