Elaine Crowe

When out walking it’s easy to stop, chat or simply say hello. I’ve always been enthusiastic about walking and promoting its benefits. It’s well known that spending time outdoors helps promote good mental health, wellbeing and social benefits. I love the variety of walks available this includes coastal areas, the countryside, forests, woodlands, Lochs, national or country parks, hills and valleys (both rural and urban and the more remote areas). Walking in a group is a great way to start walking, to meet new people in your area and to make new friends. It’s rewarding sharing in the beauty of a view or landscape with others, it increases your connections with other people, and makes you feel more connected in your community. I act as an ambassador for walking – showing people that walking can make a difference to them. What I find rewarding about leading walks is getting to know walkers and seeing them progress. You can see the satisfaction and enjoyment they get from the walks, the enjoyment of discovering new places and pathways both on your own doorstep and further afield. It’s especially rewarding to see the difference in people, the growth in self-confidence such as when members of the group progress to arranging and leading walks of their own and their sense of personal achievement.

The joy and rewards of walking will always be there, all you need to do is take one step at a time… Investing in others is always rewarding

I thoroughly enjoy organising and delivering free accessible walks to others on a weekly basis and exploring places near and far.