They found each other on #walk1000miles, they fell in love while hiking, and now Chris and Laura Jones have completed the most celebrated walk of all – the magical one down the aisle
It was March 2020 and Covid was bringing everyone’s lives to a halt, but the pandemic hadn’t dampened Chris Jones’ desire to climb Pen y Fan, in Brecon Beacons National Park. And while scrolling through the #walk1000miles Solemates sub-group he found a woman called Laura had exactly the same plan.
“We hit it off straight away,” says Chris, “although we weren't able to meet for another couple of months.”
When they finally did meet they walked part of the Cotswold Way together. “#walk1000miles provided the perfect opportunity to meet up and spend time together,” Chris explains.
They continued to walk together as their relationship blossomed, then Chris took Laura to the Lake District for the very first time for a week-long holiday. On the first afternoon they climbed Castlehead – a small hill near to Keswick – and Chris proposed. “Luckily Laura accepted, because it would have been an interesting week if she hadn't!”
This year has been a special one for the happy couple. In June they finally climbed Pen y Fan together (727 days after they first met in person), then in August they tied the knot… with a walk, of course!
“It was the perfect day,” recalls Chris. “It started with parkrun that several of the Bristol & Bath Badgers group walked with us.”
Throughout it all, #walk1000miles has continued to feature significantly in their lives, and they walk together at least five times weekly. And Chris’ advice for someone hoping to find love in the group? “Follow your instincts and take the chance. You've already got one shared interest!”
