Coming from the bustle and intensity of London, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I moved north. But what I’ve discovered is a more relaxed pace of life, where people seem noticeably happier, the air is cleaner, and there are endless walks to explore across the beautiful Derbyshire Dales and Peak District.

Belper, in particular, has quickly begun to feel like home. There’s a strong sense of community here – something I deeply appreciate and, if I’m honest, something I always felt was missing in London. Remarkably, after just three weeks, I know more of my neighbours here than I did in over sixty years in the capital.

I don’t miss the crowds, the spiralling cost of living, the constant rush, or the never-ending noise. Nor do I miss ULEZ! Of course, I miss friends and family, but I don’t regret the move for a second – the positives far outweigh the cons.

London, I believe, is a fantastic place for a younger person. But as you grow older, the appeal of slowing down becomes stronger. For me, that shift led me here, and I haven’t looked back.

One of the most rewarding parts of my transition has been WALX. I was already a member in London, so joining the local WALX group here made the move feel almost seamless. Everything was already in place, the structure, the ethos, the welcoming spirit, and it made settling in so much easier. Whether it’s walking through the Derbyshire Dales or simply chatting over a post-walk coffee, WALX has provided both community and continuity in a time of great change.

Since moving, I’ve been joining walks four or five times a week and absolutely loving the variety on offer from Wellbeing, Total Body Walks, and longer sociable walks. The Direct Debit payment plan makes it all simple and great value too, encouraging me to get out regularly and make the most of everything WALX has to offer.

This southern softie feels he’s made the right decision – and it’s starting to feel like I should have done it years ago.