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Helen’s walking story

“Walking has always been a part of my life.”

A woman in a red fleece looks out of the view of a loch and rolling hills.

Helen has always walked since being young, when her family would ‘go for a walk’ together.

This is a tradition she’s carried on with her own family, taking the dog along too.

“I feel that something is missing if I haven’t walked. It keeps me fit.”

Helen enjoys walking in remote areas amongst nature, where she often spots wildlife. She enjoys the social element of walking in a group too, walking with a local group in Midlothian. Here, she’s seen how walking and chatting together can make a big difference for someone who’s feeling lonely.

“If I am feeling low walking often lifts my mood. It gives me time to think things through.”

Helen would encourage anyone to start walking. She shares that although you might find it difficult at first, you’ll soon rejoice in being able to walk up that hill that you once found a struggle.

“I’ve seen people feel the benefits from walking outside. They feel like they have achieved something.”