My Journey Into Mindful Walking

by Sue Talbot

In the relentless rush of life, I often found myself chasing the next deadline, the next item on the to-do list or perpetually staring at the glow of a screen, even while out walking.

Although my body was going through the motions and I was getting my steps in, my mind was often elsewhere — rehearsing difficult conversations, planning my workload or dwelling on the past. The physical activity provided some relief, at least, but a quiet mind remained elusive.

It wasn’t until I consciously shifted gears and found out how to introduce mindfulness into my walks that I really understood the difference between simply exercising and actively enjoying the moment.

Mindful Walking is More Than Just Exercise

Mindful walking is about intentional presence. It doesn’t require a spiritual retreat or expensive gear, just taking the time to slow down and notice our surroundings. The goal isn’t to reach your destination as fast as you can, but to immerse yourself in the sensory experience of walking.

I start my walks by paying attention to my breath, feeling the fresh air in my lungs. I notice the movement of my feet and legs, and I listen intently to the sounds around me: the rustle of leaves, the distant bleating of sheep or the chirping of birds in the trees.

If I feel my mind wandering, I just return my attention to the nature around me, which helps me to focus beyond the path.

The Holistic Health Benefits

The benefits I’ve personally gained from mindful walking aren’t just physical; mentally and emotionally, I’ve transformed dramatically. By consciously switching my thoughts, I’ve literally felt the stress and anxiety melt away. Walking in my favourite places, usually the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales, is a natural reset for me and I return home feeling refreshed with a clear mind. 

We’re so fortunate to have so many beautiful landscapes to explore in the UK. These are just a few of my favourite places for mindful walking.

The Peak District

Made up of windswept moorlands and gritstone edges, the Peak District is blessed with dramatic beauty. The paths around Mam Tor or Kinder Scout offer sweeping views from the top and the sunrises are well worth the early start.

The sensory details are in abundance here, with the vibrant purple of the heather in late summer and the geological scenery that’s been formed over millennia. I feel present not just with my own small self, but with the history of the land beneath my boots.

The Lake District

The Lake District offers a different yet equally incredible landscape. Walking along the shores of Wastwater or Buttermere, especially early in the morning, brings me peace like nowhere else. Embraced by imposing fells that reflect on the lake, I listen to the breeze and watch the images scatter into a thousand ripples.

The North Yorkshire Coast

Perhaps the most invigorating place for mindful walking is the North Yorkshire Coast, where the waves are rhythmic and provide a relaxing pulse to my steps. While feeling the shifting sand beneath my feet, I synchronise my breath with the back and forth of the waves and listen to the squawks of gulls overhead to stop my mind from wandering.

The Yorkshire Dales

The sweeping valleys, the iconic dry-stone walls crisscrossing over the hillsides and the isolated farmhouses of the Yorkshire Dales command your undivided attention. As I walk above the towering Malham Cove or along the River Wharfe, my mind immediately starts to quieten, and I feel as though I’m a part of nature, a million miles from the stresses of daily life.

Mindful walking doesn’t require special equipment or an extraordinary location, and the best thing is, it’s free and available to you right now.