I have always enjoyed walking.  Since I was a young girl, I have loved nature and my play time was in streams, open fields and up trees.  As an adult, I particularly like walking next to the flowing water of a river. 

Meeting Faye took my love of walking to another level.  Whilst I was happy to meander (a bit like my rivers), Faye usually takes us that little bit further, so I feel a more challenged and therefore enjoy the feeling of achievement at the end. It’s never too much though and Faye keeps an eye on pace and keeping me involved. It is fair to say that I absolutely love walking with Faye. Over and above our normal walks in the Peak District, Scotland and more, I have completed three pilgrimages and a Ben Nevis Charity Climb … all brilliant.

One pilgrimage stands out though.  We walked barefoot from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland to the mainland and back, following the old pilgrim way over the sand and mudflats… It was literally sensational.  We heard the winds gently howling around us like voices of old. The sand oozed between our toes and gently massaged the soles of our feet and the sun warmed our skin. We greeted walkers going the opposite way and stopped to chat briefly to hear their stories. 

The walk gave me time to empty my head of the usual day to day noise… I had precious thinking time.  Moments to consider and process my thoughts and feelings.  As a result, I decided that day to forgive someone of the hurt they have caused in my life.  I now deal with hurt differently because of this decision.

The reality is that life is busy and with my daughter about to embark on GCSEs, I want to support her and ensure she keeps as stress-free as possible so she can focus on the task ahead. I am keeping my eye of the Hope Walking website so I can plan in more special time topping up ‘Vitamin Nature’ and to allow my mind time to process and have clarity.  I would honestly and sincerely recommend anyone to do the same…

Guest blog: Alex Gardner