Hello Toggers!
A pilgrims trail
A dictionary will tell you that a pilgrimage is either a journey to a shrine or other holy place, or a journey or long search made for sentimental reasons. What makes one different from any other walk is that it has a destination with a meaning; it requires you to set off with an intention. That could be a spiritual intention, an intention to reminisce, or an intention to make a decision or form a plan.
For centuries, pilgrimages have been made all around the world, and in recent years, there has certainly been a resurgence of people wanting to take one. Whilst many are long-distance trails, they don’t need to be. In Medieval times, Margery Kempe was known for her micro-pilgrimages, which covered no more than 2 miles.
There are many walks that I take that could easily be described as a pilgrimage – some in the heart of the city, others further afield. As I recovered from my mastectomy a couple of years ago, three generations of my family climbed Mam Tor. It was a pilgrimage that retraced the footsteps of my childhood, this time taken as a mother and as part of my own road to recovery.
For your next walk, I encourage you to turn it into a micro-pilgrimage. Whether it’s retracing your childhood footsteps, those of spiritual pilgrims from centuries gone by, or one that ends at a place of worship or perhaps an ancient tree, set yourself an intention and walk with a purpose.
A Yorkshire Yomp!
This week we’re heading to Yorkshire for our walk – following the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Skipton to Saltaire. It’s a 16 mile route that is mainly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs too. It’s a route that offers a variety of landscapes, some pretty villages and the impressive Bingley Five-Rise Locks, the steepest flight of locks in the UK and has been named as one of the seven wonders of the waterways!
Perfectly located for this walk is Broughton Sanctuary. I first stayed here when I was writing my latest book, Hack Yourself Healthy, and can’t wait to return! Alongside a range of stunning self catering cottages, the impressive grounds are part of a rewildling project and champions wellbeing and nature connection. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise which you won’t want to leave!
The Outdoor Guide Foundation teams up with WWF!
Nature belongs at the heart of childhood, but not every child gets the chance to experience it.
“We know how important nature is for children’s wellbeing, their learning and their development. But far too many children, especially in lower-income communities, face barriers that keep them indoors. That’s why working with The Outdoor Guide Foundation to give children the clothing and support they need to get outside is so vital to help schools unlock the power of nature for every pupil, every day,”
~ Jon Turner, Head of Education and Families at WWF
That’s why we’re proud to partner with WWF on their new schools programme, Happy By Nature. As part of this exciting collaboration, 640 Waterproofs & Wellies kits have been delivered to schools across the UK this October — helping more children get outside, whatever the weather.
Because nature is for everyone. Every day.
And this is just the beginning. WWF’s goal? To bring a daily dose of Vitamin Nature to 1 million children by 2028.
Our goal at The Outdoor Guide Foundation?
To raise £6 million, enough to gift every state primary school in the UK with 10 sets of waterproofs and wellies, so that every child has the chance to enjoy the outdoors, come rain or shine.
Four Things For You
Healthy Back Bag comp
Fancy winning a walking and wellness bundle?We’ve teamed up with Healthy Back Bag to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a brilliant 20-litre crossbody backpack – perfect for hiking, travel, and everyday exploring – plus a signed copy of my Sunday Times Bestseller Hack Yourself Healthy. Packed with practical wellness tips and nature-inspired hacks, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to feel better, one step at a time.Click below to enter – good luck!
Whether you’re taking a micro-pilgrimage or heading slightly further afield, I wish you some amazing adventures in the week ahead.
And if you’d like to help more children enjoy their own outdoor adventures — rain or shine – you can support our Waterproofs & Wellies campaign by making a small donation today.
