We all aim to do no harm as we walk, but with more than 60,000 people walking over 160,000 miles a day (60 million miles a year!), we’re an enormous force for potential good. What small things will make our miles even more meaningful – and add up to a BIG positive difference?
1 Pick a bit of litter
“I take a bag and litter pick for 10 items, 10 mins, or in a hedgehog specific way – balloon ribbon, elastic bands etc are extremely dangerous to small creatures” says Jenny Smith
2 Say hello
“You might do it to that one person that needs it but doesn’t know they need it” says Nicola Fast.
“Saying hi might send someone back home in a better mood and better placed to help others. It all ripples outward” adds Jackie Longhorne.
“I used to walk solo quite a lot, by choice, I never felt alone because of people like you” says Pete Ashmore.
3 Be a guerrilla gardener
If you help keep paths clear they’ll stay open: “We always have secateurs in our pockets” says Siana Corbett. “I pull up Himalayan Balsam – it definitely makes a difference to plant diversity on my local walk” says Helen Perry. “Weeding around trees on the public path helps it get the rain and makes everything look better” says Sue Andrew.
4 Invite someone along
“An invitation to walk positively encourages both mentally and physically” says Cath Pryce.
5 Adopt a mile
“Adopt a mile of footpath and tend it throughout the year. That's what I'm doing. 40,000 miles of clear paths would make a lot of difference” says Clive Latimer.
6 Report things
“Report blocked access and damaged gates or stiles to the council – then check to see they’re rectified” recommends Alison Jackson.
7 Share the joy
“Share your walks and how good they make you feel – you never know who needs to hear it and give themselves that extra push” says William Young.
Samantha Hambling posts a weekly whatsapp group message to friends and family with photos from her walks. “Some probably just think I'm barmy, but I know it lifts others. It’s also been a great way to keep in touch with old friends.”
8 Rescue wildlife
“Whether it’s a snail or frog heading towards a busy road or a sheep caught on a fence – feels great, does good” says Karen Ley
9 Shop local
“Use High Street shops for gear and buy food local to where you’re walking” says Sheila Lowery.
10 Straight and narrow
“Stick to the established path, even if muddy, to prevent further erosion to the area” counsels Becca Gulliver.
11 Run a group walk
“I’ve started running some walks for local people – to encourage people to get out and explore, to get fitter and make friends” says Lizzie Wright
12 Feed the birds
“Take some bird food and nuts along so you can help out the local wildlife, espcially with the colder weather coming in” says Selina Price.
13 Ask one question
“Have I left this trail better than I found it? I try hard to be able to say yes – clear the path, pick up any litter, leave no trace” says Mary-Rita Williamson.
14 Raise money with every mile
Get a few pennies a mile from friends and rellies. Walking 1000 miles is an epic achievement and its a force for good that can be many times magnified generating money for those in need. Get your printable sponsorship form now!
