#walk1000miles is unique to you. Yes YOU! See how others take the challenge and tailor it to transform their lives. Then turn #walk1000miles into YOUR very own incredible, life-enhancing journey
When Julie James completed her 1000 miles last year, her subsequent Facebook post summed up why so many people absolutely adore this challenge: “My miles have been across the beautiful hills of my home of Holmfirth, urban walks through fabulous cities, coastal walks with stunning views. I’ve walked alone, with friends and my daughter. There have been many pub stops and lots of picnics. I’ve seen sunrises and sunsets, friendly animals and wonderful art. #walk1000miles is a brilliant push to encourage the joy that is walking!”
That’s #walk1000miles right there – Yes, crossing the finish line gives you goose pimples; yes, being healthier than you’ve ever been feels fantastic; but nothing beats your year-long journey of wonderful experiences.
And no two challengers have the same experiences. That’s because there’s no wrong way of doing the challenge. Instead, there’s an abundance of ways to add value, excitement and pleasure to your miles.
One is simply appreciating the nature you already have on your doorstep. Challenger Stuart Fox is truly inspirational in this respect. He takes time to spot creatures most people miss, from colourful beetles to early-season butterflies. He once spent 90 minutes watching and photographing this kingfisher [PIC] in the middle of his town. As he put it: “It was happily fishing in a very busy place with at least 100-plus people walking past and only about five noticing it.”
Then there’s Karen Serino-Bland, who loves heading to the centre of home town, Bedford, in spring and summer to see the beautiful patch of wildflowers there.
While for many the challenge is about venturing to the hills and to other spots where homo sapiens are few, we have plenty of members who love urban walks just as much because they provide a completely different experience. “There's a lot to be said for urban walking,” argues Andy Westlake. “You don't have to carry any food or drink, you can do a little shopping, and take in a museum.” Some urban walks offer the unexpected – Katrina Scott spiced up her miles by spending a morning walking under Sheffield. She and a group ventured through The Megatron – a Victorian underground drainage system – in darkened tunnels with the sound of trains and cars overhead.
Speaking of darkness, you may have noticed there’s plenty of it at this time of year. And while some try to find an hour in the middle of the day to get their miles in, others embrace night walking. “I love the peace and tranquillity walking in the dark gives,” says Salyen Latter. “The leaves provide the steady swishing crunch underfoot, but otherwise all is calm in the world at this time.”
And early birds find the sight of the rising sun gives them a lift that stays with them throughout the day. “Another amazing sunrise at Mam Tor, complete with cloud inversion,” posted Bev Taylor. “The silly o’clock alarm call was definitely worth it – despite the lack of sleep, my spirits were lifted and I was smiling all day!”
“Oh my goodness what an epic sunrise!” declared Angie Willis from her early morning stroll. “What an amazing start to the day!”
It’s fine to stick to the paths you know and love – lots of members prefer to do that – but if you’re keen to try something new, you’ll pick up a multitude of ideas from the Facebook group. Wild swimming is an increasingly popular mid-walk activity. Last May, Sharon Edwards took a dip to celebrate her birthday. “Fifty three years ago I was born at 16.20. Today I was, at this time, taking my first wild swim at Three Shires Head in the Peak District. A beautiful walk from Gradbach – I won't forget this birthday, it's been unbelievable!”
Emma Boylan discovered a unique walk for we Brits – a footpath that leads through Woburn Safari Park. “My 10-year-old did five miles happily looking for elephants, giraffes, goats and deer amongst others. A brilliant place to walk!”
Sometimes an opportunity presents itself to see something on a walk we may never get the chance to witness again. The dry summer took Marion Knight to Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District, with the water levels lower than they’d been for decades. “We got to explore Derwent village, flooded in the 40s when the reservoir was created. A privilege to see the remains, some in an amazingly good state.”
The desire to explore further afield is something that gets hold of many 1000-milers. And you might find holidays normally spent on lilos become walking holidays to stunning landscapes. “Walking is easy, when you’ve got views like this,” declared Pete Winson from St Ives in Cornwall. “Amazing walking holiday in the Interlaken area, Switzerland,” posted Lindsay Stevens, accompanied by images of mountains on steroids. “I loved just wandering around the 13th-century Great Beguinage UNESCO World Heritage Site – absolute peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city,” shared Andrea Brown from her trip to Leuven in Belgium.
And to walk alone or with others? Again, that’s up to you. Melanie Moss-Burton was concerned about solo walking, until she took the plunge: “As soon as I started I had no worries at all. All negative thoughts left my head. When I finished, I did wonder why I hadn't done it sooner.” Lots of members walk solo, others prefer a companion (often one with four legs), and if you ever get the chance to join a meet-up of #walk1000miles members (known as Badger meets), you’ll soon make like-minded friends for life, as Julie Russell found on a recent trip: “The company all weekend was absolutely incredibly fantastic, with old friends and lots of wonderful new ones too. Such laughter and friendship is really priceless!”
Wherever you walk, whoever you’re with, and whenever you decide to step outside, there are no bad ways of doing this challenge. But there’s always another way, should you need it, and this group never fails to give you the inspiration you need.
