When Anne joined WALX Derwent and Dales in 2021, she wasn’t new to exercise. She’d always enjoyed walking, regularly went to the gym and loved being outdoors. Like many people, she was simply looking for something different.
What she found was far more than a new way to exercise.
She found a community.
She found adventure.
She found confidence.
And, perhaps most importantly, she discovered she was capable of far more than she had ever imagined.
More Than an Outdoor Gym
Today Anne describes WALX as her “outdoor gym.”
Instead of spending hours inside four walls, she now enjoys a fantastic variety of activities including Total Body WALX fitness sessions, Explorer WALX, online fitness classes, longer adventure walks and holidays across the UK.
The variety means every week is different, every walk brings new scenery, and every session offers another opportunity to improve fitness while enjoying the great outdoors.
Best of all?
“I’m fitter now than I’ve ever been.”
From Parks to Mountain Summits
When Anne first joined, she admits she was nervous about walking in the hills.
Fast forward just a few years and she’s become what she proudly describes as “a true explorer.”
Her achievements include climbing Scafell Pike, exploring the mountains of Snowdonia, completing the West Highland Way, discovering the spectacular fells of the Lake District, and tackling countless adventures she never thought possible.
One moment will always remain especially close to her heart.
A Very Special Munro
Anne’s father was a passionate Munro bagger, spending years exploring Scotland’s mountains.
Before joining WALX, Anne had never climbed a Munro herself.
That changed when she reached the summit of her very first Munro with WALX Derwent and Dales.
It wasn’t simply another mountain.
It was an emotional moment that connected her with her father’s love of the Scottish Highlands and gave her an enormous sense of pride.
Since then, Anne has gone on to climb several more Munros, proving that confidence grows one step at a time.
A Birthday to Remember
Many people celebrate milestone birthdays with a meal or a party.
Anne chose something rather more adventurous.
Just days after turning 70, she celebrated by standing on the summit of Suilven, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains in the spectacular north-west Highlands.
It was a fitting reminder that age doesn’t define what we’re capable of.
With the right support, encouragement and belief, new adventures can begin at any stage of life.
More Than Walking
Of course, WALX isn’t only about mountains.
Anne talks just as warmly about the friendships she’s made, the laughter shared along the trails and meeting so many like-minded people who have become part of her life.
Using Nordic walking poles has also transformed her walking, taking pressure off her feet and knees and allowing her to enjoy longer distances without discomfort.
It’s the combination of fitness, friendship, fresh air and adventure that keeps her coming back week after week.
Giving Something Back
Anne’s journey has come full circle.
After gaining so much confidence and experience, she’s now become one of our Walk Leaders, helping others take those very first steps and encouraging new members to believe in themselves.
She knows exactly how they feel because she was once standing in their shoes.
“The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done”
When asked what joining WALX has meant to her, Anne doesn’t hesitate.
“It changed my life. I’m fitter than I’ve ever been, I’ve made wonderful friends, visited amazing places and achieved things I never thought possible. Joining WALX Derwent and Dales is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Anne’s story reminds us that walking is only where the journey begins.
Where it leads is entirely up to you.
