When was the last time you went for a walk? A walk that didn’t include a trip to the shops, to take the kids to school, to the bus stop or from the car park? I’m talking about a proper walk! A walk where you were able to take in nature and your surroundings as you placed one foot in front of the other on the path ahead.
Last week I had the absolute pleasure of going for a walk organised by the Canal and River Trust and this particular walk was led by James. The Canal and River Trust are a small charity that look after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers up and down the country so that everyone has a space local to them to relax, recharge and take some time to take in their surroundings and nature. Since cuts to funding nationally, they rely heavily on donations to make sure 2,000 miles of canals and rivers stay open and accessible to everyone to enjoy. That’s 2,000 miles of nature, 2,000 miles of history, 2,000 miles of walks and 2,000 miles of happiness!
As we set off from the arranged meeting point, the weather didn’t look that great as a big grey cloud hung over the proposed route! But the threat of a little rain didn’t put off the other walkers, Cath and Paul who, suitably dressed in waterproof jackets, are regulars on this weekly stroll along the towpath. As we walked, James told me that he typically does three of these walks in different locations each week. All the walks are designed to be open and accessible to everyone as routes are planned to ensure the footpaths are mainly flat, well maintained and with as few bridges as possible. Most routes are accessible for all including pushchairs and bicycles and you could even bring along your four legged friends who are welcome on the walk!
Today, our walking group was small but that didn’t stop it going ahead. Paul told me that there had been times the walk was just him and James but that they had still gone ahead, and Paul is incredibly grateful for that.
“My worst thing is loneliness” Paul continued; “having this walking group, along with the other art groups I do, it’s like a family”. This is a feeling shared by fellow walker, Cath, who shared she feels the same way. “There is the health aspect of the walk but it’s also about talking to someone” Cath tells me. “Without coming on the walk this morning, I might not have spoken to anyone until I take my dog to the dog parlour tomorrow afternoon. I have made friends and have someone, if I want, to share my problems with as well as my good news; as the dog doesn’t answer me!”
Along with the walking, we all chat about a variety of topics from the history of the factory we pass along the way, the two swans sleeping on the banks, mental health and previous job roles. The walking and talking goes, metaphorically, hand in hand and I am surprised by how quickly I feel at ease and more relaxed as we walk along the towpath. I became aware of the smells of wildflowers and nature, the sounds of the water and the ducks that swim along next to us and the feeling of the gravel under my feet. It feels like I am a world away from daily challenges and deadlines and the busy main road that runs parallel to us on the other side of the nature reserve.
I find out that my fellow walker, Paul, is a talented artist and as we stop to admire the speed and skill needed to open one of the many locks we pass, he shows me pictures of some of his incredible multimedia drawings. I chat fondly of days working in social care services with Cath as we navigate our path past two swans and their cygnets. We watch boat users go about their days on the water and stop to observe an old cottage where the placement of an upstairs window would have been vital in days gone by for seeing oncoming barges on what would have been much busier waterways.
As we walk further, James informs me all the locks we have walked past today and most of the ones on canals up and down the country, are made in a workshop just on the outskirts of Wolverhampton! A walk in the fresh air, great company and learning new facts – not bad for a Tuesday morning in the Black Country I’d say!
The morning passes without any of the anticipated rain and, thankfully, without the need for the tow rope or other emergency items James always carries with him “just in case”! As we say our goodbyes at the end of the walk, I am again reminded of the importance of community groups and gatherings, such as this one. Every week, Cath and Paul join James to wander along the waterways, whatever the weather.
“The walks are all year round, unless it is really icy or there are really strong winds” James tells me. “We have walkers who have come out in the rain to join us in autumn months in the summer we always make sure we can get shade from the sun.”
A walk each day has such a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing and there is evidence to prove spending time outside is good for mind, body and soul. Feel free to do the research on this if you wish; I, on the other hand, will be lacing up my walking boots and heading off for another enjoyable walk by the water.