Walk – November 2018

A family member used to be the agony aunt on a women’s magazine. ‘Whenever anyone wrote in saying they were struggling with loneliness following a bereavement or separation, I would recommend the Ramblers,’ she tells me. ‘Walking is such a wonderful way to meet people.’

In this edition of walk, we celebrate the social side of walking. With Britain facing a loneliness epidemic and experts warning that isolation could be as harmful as smoking, we look at whether walking could provide the cure (p36). It’s accessible, aff­ordable and has so many wellbeing benefits – no wonder GPs are starting to prescribe walking instead of medication for some patients.

Walking isn’t just great for physical health and companionship, but mental health, too. When Jake Tyler had depression, he found a daily walk helped. Keen to spread the word about the benefits of fresh air and exercise, he set off­ on a walk around Britain.

Three thousand miles later, he’s turned his life around (p71). A chilly walk is an essential part of the festive season for many of us, and each year the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks introduces thousands more to the delights of winter walking. Discover plans for this year’s festival, and how it fits with a long tradition of festive walks in every corner of Britain,
in our This Season on Foot special (p10).

Enjoy your winter walks – and the cosy fi reside chats and warming drinks afterwards!