There are lots of reasons to join a walking group. They include the social aspect; you can make lifelong friends with people you would never have met. This in itself is good for your mental wellbeing as you connect with others, but it also broadens your knowledge base. You can learn so much from fellow walkers as you walk and talk, they can often encourage you to read a new book or visit a new show.

Walking with a group encourages you to attend on days when the weather is not inviting. Making a verbal contract with the group saying ‘see you next week’ gives you that extra encouragement to turn up.

Walking with a group gets you out of the rut of walking in the same places all the time. You get to see new venues, which you can go back to on a later date.

Walking groups work as a way to make new friends and build a support network.

All the above is obvious, but have you thought about the safety aspect?

If you walk with a WALX group the following applies…

• all walks are fully risk assessed prior to the first time it is put on the schedule. Each walk will have had the hazards identified and actions will have been put in place to ensure the likelihood of an accident, or getting lost, is minimal.
• the booking system allows the leader to see who is attending and can plan around the groups needs in advance. In some cases (rarely) a leader will advise a member the walk is not going to be suitable for them at this time, but can give pointers to more suitable routes. In other instances, the leader might decide to re route if they know a member might struggle on a particular path. The leader can plan in advance, when they know who has booked.
• the leader will be First Aid trained. If something happens, they will know what to do to ensure the best possible treatment.
• the leader will know the best places to stop for photos or to regroup.
• leaders will chat with everyone, so if you are new, you will be welcomed to the group straight away. Leaders will introduce you to the members and look after you.
• You get a sense of belonging!

I have listed 6 good reasons for being part of a group, there are many more.