On this page you’ll find a profile of founder, Faye Smith, access to images, specialist topics, links to media coverage and other useful info.

Faye Smith: Founder & Guide

Faye ran a communications consultancy for 15 years before moving to a trauma recovery community in Kent just as the pandemic hit, an experience which completely changed her life direction.

Growing up on the edge of the Peak District, Faye was climbing hills early days. She became a keen Rambler, led a women’s weekend walking-talking group for many years and founded NetWalking for Yorkshire businesses back in 2015.

Faye has also endured a series of losses and bereavements about which she has been interviewed extensively in the national media, which have caused her to explore, write and speak about the deeply therapeutic healing power of walking and swimming outside in nature as a vital part of her recovery journey .

She has walked and swum her way down Australia’s East Coast solo and covered over five hundred miles- around a quarter of England’s King Charles Coast Path- so far.

Despite all life has thrown at her, she is determined to continue her mission to encourage others into lives of purpose and freedom, sharing the hope and healing she has found to face life again- hence the name of her new business, Hope Walking.

In recognition of her inspirational support for others in business and life, Faye has won a host of business awards. She is a regular guest on BBC radio, speaking on wellbeing, women, family and faith issues and her story and business have been featured throughout the media. Described as a motivational and inspirational speaker, she tells her story and imparts skills at workplace, education, women’s and faith-based events nationally.

Available To speak about

Faye is available for interview and comment on the following topics:

Her powerful story of overcoming adversity

Finding hope and healing at the darkest of times
Surviving marriage breakdown, separation and divorce
Becoming a single parent
Coping with children’s mental illness and trauma
Bereavement- being widowed young and losing a child
Faith and moral issues
Mental illness and breakdown
Trauma recovery journeys and helpful psychotherapeutic techniques
Solo travelling
Thriving after ‘empty nest’
All aspects of self-employment
Building confidence and becoming resilient

Book an interview

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Media coverage

Here’s a sample of Faye and Hope Walking coverage in the national and regional media.

Sample media coverage

RADIO

BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour

Nuala McGovern interviews Faye about abuse and loss- and how she found healing and hope through walking and talking with other women

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001lqt4 39 minutes in. 08.05.23

BBC Radio 4 Pick of the Week

Listeners and presenter Sean Cooney choose Faye’s Women’s Hour interview as their first Pick of the Week

BBC Radio Podcast

Faye explains the mental and physical health benefits of walking on the ‘For Fitness Sake’ Podcast 13.03.23

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f7ycv2

Inspired Podcast

International Charity Founder and Inspired host, Simon Guillebaud interviews Faye candidly in depth about her life experiences of grief, loss and bereavement and how she has survived and built resilience through adversity despite a changing faith.

Inspired... with Simon Guillebaud: Walk On! | Faye Smith on Apple Podcasts

BBC Radio Derby

Faye talks reconnecting with ourselves, nature and others on her new Mills and Martyrs Peak District Pilgrimage with Ian Skye 06/08/25

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002gbrb

BBC Radio Sheffield

10 years on, Faye shares her Journey of Faith story with Kat Cowan 12.03.23

https://bbc.in/fayesmith

And her Thought for the Day- Every Kilo a Kilo of Misery 20/10/25

BBC Radio Sheffield - Kat Cowan on BBC Radio Sheffield, 20/10/2024, "Every kilo a kilo of misery"

PRESS

Faye on bereavement

I News