Discover the joy of walking with your local rambling group

Lockdown, as we all know, was a particularly difficult time for people who live alone. Loneliness is a health crisis but getting out and walking can help as its a terrific way to get exercise and spend quality time with likeminded friendly walkers. The benefits of just being outside in the fresh air are huge.

There’s definitely a link between being outside and feeling good. Your appreciation of going for a walk will change dramatically and it can transform your life too. The pandemic has shown us just how much we value walking and getting out into open green spaces and it tops the table as the most popular form of exercise.

Here are two reviews from members who joined the group this year.

MY RETURN (Pat)

Returning to Birmingham after 50 years I felt I needed to learn about and enjoy the lovely local countryside again, so I joined Castle Bromwich Ramblers.

Feeling a little nervous and having no transport I emailed the Group and spoke to a very helpful man. He reassured me that a lift would be available.

We met outside the Bank and what a jolly group they turned out to be. The group are so friendly and welcoming. So if you feel you need a bit more exercise and/or, just like me, want to meet new people and have a laugh do come and join us.

LEADING MY FIRST WALK (Mabel)

I’m still in the infancy period of being a member but following our Chair’s request for members to come forward to lead walks I decided to ‘give it a try’.

I’d never led a walk using a route map before, so with an experienced walker to assist me, I went out a reccied a short evening walk. To my delight and surprise, 13 people turned up when we did the walk. We all made it back and in good time for drinks at a nearby pub. My recci colleague was always nearby with a reassuring look and comment, particularly when we came across a flock of sheep going amok in a field! We were rewarded though with a beautiful sunset towards the end of the walk. It was a learning curve but I hope to do more with the support of more seasoned and capable leaders.