Personal

Fran’s walking story

“I love a wee walk and a blether.”

The lower legs and boots of two individuals walking along a gravel path.

Fran, a volunteer Walk Leader, shares the benefits of walking with a local walking group.

Like many of us, Fran sometimes struggled for motivation to go out walking on her own. Joining a walking group and then becoming a Walk Leader means she’s now inspired to walk whenever she can.

Fran fits her walking around caring for her husband. The group meets weekly, whatever the weather. Fran believes that good conversation distracts from the rain, often telling the group, “Smiles dispel any bad weather!”

“For carers it can be good to step away if you’re able. Walking clears my head.”

The group has 12 regular members and is open to all. With 5 walk leaders, including Fran, they enjoy mixing up the route to keep it interesting, whilst bearing in mind everyone’s different abilities.

Becoming a Walk Leader was the opportunity for Fran to try something new. At first she was hesitant, not seeing herself as a natural leader. Now, she enjoys how the responsibility gets her out of the house, whilst still being flexible around her day-to-day.

“I never saw myself as a leader, but the group needed one. It snowballed from there, and now I love it.”

For Fran, walking isn’t only about the physical health benefits. It’s the chance to meet new people, hear their stories, and develop friendships. Fran has advice for anyone wanting to get out walking more, whether that’s alone or as part of a group;

“Just go for it. Getting out in the fresh air does wonders for our mental, physical and social health”.