Wellbeing Walks in the Yorkshire Dales
Mark Reid FRGS – Mountain Leader & author of ‘The Inn Way’ guidebooks
Photos from previous Wellbeing Walks: Dec 2020
We all know that going for a walk in beautiful countryside makes us feel good. But why does it make us feel good?
Research shows that we have an innate affinity with nature and a need to be connected with it. Walking in the countryside can have positive effects on our psychological well-being.
During our Wellbeing Walks we will explore…
- What is well-being, and can it be measured?
- Our innate connection with the natural world
- How can we experience the outdoors in different ways
- Outdoor experiences and memories that last beyond the walk
- Working towards physical, mental and social well-being
During the day, we will immerse ourselves in the ‘green therapy’ of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, where we’ll look at different ways to engage with our natural environment (biophilia, eco-therapy and natural thinking), take part in some Sense Walking, look at the use of Journey Sticks as part of natural navigation and explore how the outdoors has inspired some of our greatest artists and writers, and how it can inspire us through poetry and artwork.
From the layers of human history to the geology of the rocks, we will also explore the natural environment to enhance your experience.
OUTLINE OF THE DAY
9:30am
Meet at the village car park (with facilities) – introductions and overview of the day.
10am – 4pm
Fully guided Well-being Walk in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, taking in waterfalls, riversides, woodland, hills and fantastic views.
4pm
Return to the village and collect our thoughts about the day
THE WALK
Around 8 miles (13 km)
Our Well-Being Walk will take in paths, tracks and lanes as well as pastures, fields, hills and moorland. There will be stiles and small streams to cross, some rough and uneven ground. We may encounter adverse weather too. Packed lunch en route.
