From the planning through to the doing, a walk with friends is always a great outing. My most recent walk with friends Mark and Becca was along the John Buchan Way from Broughton to Peebles.
I was thinking about the many reasons why walking with friends is such a great idea. Here are some of them.
The anticipation of the planning
We had a date set – which is no mean feat when we all live in different places and have various family and work commitments. But where would we walk?
Previous walking days had been along the River Ayr Way, the Speyside Way and the John Muir Way.
Becca liked the idea of heading to the Scottish Borders. Her choice was a walk somewhere near Peebles. I suggested the John Buchan Way. We all agreed.
The way runs from Peebles to Brougton, or vice versa, and is almost 14 miles, which seemed like the perfect distance for a rewarding day’s hike in rolling countryside.
We all said how much we were looking forward to the walk some four weeks away.
Excuse for a get together
We sometimes meet for a meal or a drink or just for a quick coffee. The walk provided another opportunity to escape the usual everyday stuff, including loved partners, children and domestic duties, to get together for a longer catch up.
To see new places
We usually choose a walk that is new to all of us, or one that we have not visited for a long time. It’s a good way to explore a new location or to be pointed in the direction of a place where another person has previously enjoyed a great hike.
To chat and laugh.
To catch up on chat
I enjoy the company of all kinds of walking partners and friends. Sometimes I walk with people I have met through a walking group or it will be an old/dear friend. I far prefer a walk and talk to a chat over a coffee. A walk frees you from the various modern diversions of life, such as mobile phones, TVs, children etc. It allows you to focus on the chat and the outdoor surroundings.
For health benefits
Walking, even just for a few miles, is better for physical and mental well-being than sitting in a café or a bar with friends. Don’t get me wrong, I love a café and a bar with friends but I usually prefer to choose a walk first!
To enjoy afternoon tea
After a great walk, the tradition with my walking friends Mark and Becca is to find a cosy place that serves good coffee and cakes.
To have another walk to look forward to…
After any walk, we say goodbye and go back to our lives promising each other we will meet again soon for another catch-up walk.
I do like walking on my own sometimes but I much prefer to be walking with G or friends.
