31 reasons it’s a good idea to walk 1000 miles – according to people who’ve walked the walk…
1 It sounds incredible
FURTHER than Land’s End to John o’Groats! ‘Your non walking friends are SO impressed’ Sue Jackson says.
2 It’s surprisingly manageable
Average a total of just 2.74 miles a day (under an hour for most).
3 It’s free
You can start doing it, today, in the clothes you stand up in (but be warned: it’s addictive, and a totawardrobe change often follows).
4 It’s time to think
‘You come home a different person and in a much better place to deal with everything that WAS weighing you down’ says Hazel Egan.
5 It boosts your appetite for life
‘You can eat cake guilt free’ says Hannah Beddoe.
6 It makes huge difference to your health and wellbeing
Like, really, incredibly huge.
7 You’ll make friends
For real-world walks or just online chat. ‘I was lonely but I found my people’ says Victoria Lewis.
8 It banishes winter blues
‘Helps enormously with SAD’ says Susan O’Sullivan.
9 It stops you being lazy
‘It holds me accountable – and I’m always glad I went out’ says Natalie Chadwick.
10 It’s a reason to reward yourself
‘A nice pint at the end is compulsory’ says Richard Gall.
11 It saves money
‘Saves diesel when you walk instead of driving, saves heating the house while you’re out’ says Dave Gent.
12 It’s time to yourself
‘Time I wouldn’t otherwise carve out of my day’ says Emma Boylan.
13 The snacks you can eat
‘It’s important to keep your energy up’ reminds Kathryn Woods.
14 It’s habit-forming
‘And a habit that’s good for you’ rejoices Collette Louise.
15 Simple pleasures
Fresh air, no worries, friendships – and the creeping sense of how much you’re enjoying the challenge’ Sarah Staines
16 Rediscovery
‘You see and hear nature you used to see as a child and had forgotten’ says Gail Oglanby.
17 It keeps you grounded
‘Keeps my feet on the ground and head firmly in the clouds - where I'm happiest’ says Karen Ritchie
18 Escape
‘It gives me peace in my head and happiness in my heart’ says Hannah Clewer
19 It chills you out
‘It’s amazing for helping anxiety and stress! And I also lost 8 stone!’ – Sarah Peplow
20 It fits around you
‘You can do it in bite size chunks over the course of the day’ says Karen Hayes – and turn scraps of dead time into pleasure and benefit.
21 It lets you off the hook
‘I feel much better about abandoning the housework because I’m not procrastinating, I’m improving my health!’ Says Aisha Ahlaam.
22 It’s better value than the gym
‘And so much easier than the gym too!’ says Penny Holroyd.
23 It makes you young again
‘Kicking leaves, jumping in puddles, eating sweets, exploring’ – Carol MacKay could go on…
24 It builds better people
‘Walking keeps the kids physically and mentally well, helps them overcome challenges in life, develops resilience, stimulates creativity, provides relaxation, creates strong family bonds…’ says Nina Trollope.
25 It’s unpredictable
Freya Davison says: It can change your life in so many unexpected ways. More confidence. New places. The magic of the seasons.’
26 It builds and builds
‘It makes every walk more than just a walk’ says Sandra Whinnett.
27 It makes home magical
‘Returning home, a hot drink, your favourite chair, well deserve rest.. It’s the best’ says Carol Bianca.
28 It’s not your everyday achievement
‘You see views, meet people, feel better in everything you do and you’ve done something not everyone has done’ says Darrell Jordan.
29 It’s a great investment
‘We’re told to save money for our retirement. We should be told to save our health by being active’ says John Loughlin.
30 It sets you straight
‘Walking’s an everyday reminder we need now more than ever there are simple, good and beautiful things in the world’ says Anne England.
31 Oh so many reasons…
Says Salyen Latter: “I’ve lost weight, met a load of fabby folk and am enjoying being the fittest, healthiest and happiest I’ve been in years. What’s not to love about that?”
