As someone who typically organises and leads walks, I often find myself behind the scenes, managing the logistics, setting the pace, and ensuring everyone is enjoying the experience. But today, March 1st, I decided to break away from my usual role and join a group walk in the Cotswolds. The decision came fairly late in the morning—at 8:30 AM, in fact—but I felt an urge to reconnect with the experience of being a participant. So, I messaged the organiser, and within moments, I was confirmed to join. With just 45 minutes to get ready, pack my lunch, and head out, I was excited for what the day would bring.
Preparing for the Walk
I was determined to arrive at the car park at least 15 minutes early. My plan was to have enough time to use the toilet, get my boots on, pay for parking, and, of course, get a feel for the group. I didn’t know who would be leading or who I'd be walking with, so it felt like a little adventure in itself.
The drive to the Cotswolds was full of excitement and anticipation. When I arrived, I noticed two people who seemed like they might be part of the walk, so I awkwardly approached them and asked, “Are you on the walk?” Sure enough, they were, and we got talking. It was a relief to have someone to chat with while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.
Starting the Walk
Once everyone gathered, we set off from Broadway Village to Stanton. The weather was beautiful, with plenty of sunshine to keep spirits high. Along the way, I met some really lovely people, and we enjoyed some great conversation. As we descended towards Stanton, the ground was slippery with mud, and a few people had a bit of a tumble—but fortunately, I stayed on my feet!
When we arrived in Stanton, it was time for a 30-minute lunch break. The group scattered in different directions—some heading to the churchyard, others finding a spot on the village green. There was also a pub just a few metres away, which immediately caught my eye. One man was heading that way, so I called out to him, “I’ll come with you!” The pub not only had the bonus of a toilet, but it also had a fantastic terrace with beautiful views of the village below. It felt like the perfect spot to relax, and I ended up making a new friend in the process.
Lunch Break and New Connections
A drink at the pub was a great break. We chatted and enjoyed the lovely views before heading back to the group at the set time. After our 30 minutes were up, we continued our walk back to Broadway, passing through Laverton and Buckland villages. The houses along the way were gorgeous, and there were daffodils and snowdrops blooming, which added a lovely touch to the scenery. As we made our way through more muddy paths, my boots seemed to be stuck in the mud with every step, but it was all part of the fun.
The walk, which was probably around 8-9 miles (my watch paused after lunch, so I’m not exactly sure), was a wonderful mix of beautiful landscapes, good conversation, and shared experiences. When we returned to Broadway, I said my goodbyes to the group, feeling content and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the walk.
Reflections on the Experience
What really stood out to me, however, was how people approached the walk. While a few walkers stopped to take photos along the way, the majority just kept walking, focused on the path ahead. As someone who loves capturing the beauty of nature, I found myself a bit surprised by this. For example, when I spotted a ladybird on a tree as I crossed a stile, I wanted to stop and take a photo, but with a queue of walkers behind me, I decided to keep moving. I realised that I was one of the few people stopping to notice these small moments, and it made me appreciate how much I love walking with the intention of being present and capturing the beauty around me.
Of course, I did make sure to take time to enjoy the moments and take a few photos here and there—because that’s what I truly love about walking.
A Reminder of Why I Love Group Walks
Joining this group walk was a valuable experience. It reminded me of the joy of being a participant and the importance of connecting with others along the way. It also gave me a renewed appreciation for the little things that make walking such a special experience: the quiet moments, the unexpected beauty, and the conversations with fellow walkers.
As someone who leads walks regularly, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to be on the other side. Today, I was reminded that whether you’re leading or walking, the joy of being out in nature and sharing that time with others is what truly makes the experience so special. I’m glad I took the time to join today’s walk—it was exactly what I needed to reconnect with the heart of why I do what I do.
Reflecting at Home
When I got home, I did what I always do after a walk: I made myself a cuppa and curled up on the sofa. I spent some quiet moments reflecting on the day and looking through the photos I’d taken. It was the perfect way to wind down, revisiting the sights, the conversations, and the small moments that I had captured. There’s something about enjoying a cup of tea after a walk that always feels like the perfect way to wrap up the experience. It’s my time to relax and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature—something that, no matter how many walks I lead, I’ll never get tired of.
Happy Walking!
Sarah x
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