We Can Walk It Out
Walking groups are gaining popularity with men who want a healthier alternative to popping down the pub to get a bit of headspace, writes Mark Sutcliffe
The phrase ‘solvitur ambulando’ – which loosely translates as ‘solve it by walking’ – has been attributed to a pantheon of writers ranging from Lewis Carroll to Paul Theroux.
It turns out that many of these luminaries were also big thinkers, who recognised the value of regular walks to order and structure their thoughts and generally make sense of the world around them.
While Carroll was penning Alice in Wonderland, workers in the rapidly industrialising towns of East Lancashire headed into the hills to escape the noise and pollution of the mills. Today, we’re more likely to hit the trail in search of some headspace and a digital detox.
In our constantly connected 24/7 society, knowledge work has largely replaced hard physical graft, but there’s a raft of evidence to suggest that we still need regular exercise outdoors – and 20 minutes on the treadmill just won’t cut it.
There’s something about walking that calms the internal chatter. It could be the gentle stimulation of the vagus nerve that soothes the mind, or it might simply be the simple satisfaction of making progress towards a clearly defined objective, but if you could distil the benefits of walking into a pill or potion, it would give Prozac a run for its money.
More and more men are recognising the potential of a long hike to clear their heads. It’s healthier than just piling down the pub – although a pint or two after a long hike with mates remains one of life’s greatest pleasures.
There’s something about walking alongside people in a small group that changes the nature of the conversation. The banter subsides and the chat often becomes less adversarial and runs deeper.
It takes around 40 minutes for the mind to settle and tune into the slower rhythms of nature – so aim to cover at least three or four miles, and if navigation isn’t your thing, consider joining a walking group where the leader will take care of all that map malarky.
The NHS now recognises the benefits of time outdoors and offers ‘nature on prescription’ in Lancashire via the Connecting People and Nature scheme, which offers free outdoor walks and talks at various locations across the county.
Matt Donnelly at Bowland Fitness offers walks and activities with a focus on holistic men’s health in the scenic setting of the Forest of Bowland, while Freshwalks runs regular guided walks in Lancashire for businesspeople (men and women) to connect and maintain a healthy work/life balance.
For those with established mental health challenges, walking groups like Mind over Mountains formed to provide support networks for those who sometimes struggle in more conventional group settings.
And don’t underestimate the cumulative benefits of regular walking. Country Walking magazine’s #Walk1000Miles initiative motivates participants to cover 1000 miles over the course of a year and to thousands of devotees, it’s been a life-changing experience.
Looking for a walk to try with mates? Mark’s guidebook to Walking in Lancashire is a good place to start. Follow this link to buy the book direct from publishers Cicerone: cicerone.co.uk/walking-in-lancashire
