Humans of the Walk 2021

Having been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and being not able to walk it has been brought home, just how much walking means to me. 

I am normally out every day. I know so much about my area now and how to get around it. I’m much more comfortable to go on walks and went daily throughout Covid lockdowns. It’s such a good way of keeping you sane when you’re locked in the house!

My husband and I now walk to the shop instead of taking the car, or use our free bus passes to get to new walking spots in an effort to slow down the damage happening to the environment.

In my late 30’s I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and an underactive thyroid which resulted in intense surgery, during this time I also had a family bereavement. Quickly, I went from a fitness-fanatic to feeling demotivated, depressed and in physical pain.

Since then, I’ve rediscovered my love for walking and keeping fit in general – it’s been vital for me to connect with who I am as a human being.

Now we take three holidays a year in the UK all of which are walking holidays. We purchased an electric car and once we reach our destination the car stays put and we walk everywhere.

Chronic conditions can have a big impact on your mental health. The fresh air can help with this as it gives you a sense of freedom and the ability to appreciate other things in life like nature. 

Having a disability can put up a lot of barriers but once you are outside in the fresh air you forget about this and let yourself relax, unwind and enjoy the surroundings. 

Walking has completely changed my life. I was suffering from various health issues and went to the doctors for advice, it was recommended I take up walking and I’ve never looked back.

When I began walking I lost a lot of weight and improved my general wellbeing, and crediting walking for saving my life.

Protecting the environment is another reason I actually choose to walk. Our country is so beautiful and I don’t want to be a contributor to spoiling the beauty.

I walk daily. It’s a break from my desk, it’s a break from my young children, it’s a time for just me.

Walking gives me time for just me and my thoughts. If I didn't walk daily, I'd really miss it. It would badly impact my mental health and ability to handle challenges at home and at work.

When I worked in the office, I’d choose to get the train which takes around 45 minutes longer than driving to reduce my environmental impact. My husband usually walks or cycles to work too, and as a family, we always try to avoid taking the car whenever we can.

Being an artist, I can have hundreds of ideas running through my head at once so I find it really therapeutic to go for a wander to consolidate ideas. Often, I’m actually inspired by what I see around me which ends up being the final concept. 

I try to encourage people to get out as much as they can to enjoy the amazing landscape we are blessed with in Scotland. Walking should be something that we just want to do naturally, instead of having to force it upon ourselves.  

We’re very fortunate in The Highlands to benefit from such a beautiful landscape and an abundance of walks.

The outdoors is an integral part of my life and I feel myself spiritually connecting with the environment whilst out experiencing new path routes.

Over the years I’ve become more environmentally conscious as we can become too used to ignoring the concerns - when we actually need to relate to it and take notice.

We should all try to do a little bit for the outdoor environment that we all love so much and for the enjoyment and life of future generations.

Walking is not only good for its health benefits but it’s made me appreciate where I live and the abundance of history in my local area. 

Spending time outdoors can give you a great amount of reflective space as well as time to chat through issues and have important discussions with friends. 

I quite enjoy a rugged, untamed landscape as it gives me space to contemplate the environment and how I can make a positive impact. 

As soon as I’m out the door there is an immediate change in my mood. You can go as fast or as slow as you want, but it’s a guarantee that you will feel better from the moment you start and healthier for having done it.

I have started to become a bit more environmentally cautious as a result of walking around the area, the thought of rising sea levels and extreme weather impacting the island is worrying.