Walk 1000 Miles 2022 supplement

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‘Never dreamed 

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can’t imagine life 

without it’ 

Jo Barton, Newport 

Walk 

1000 

IF 

CHANGE YOUR LIFE 

miles 


‘Made my life 

go from black and 

white to glorious 

technicolour’ 

Simon Morgan, Carew 

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Walk 1000 Miles 2022 

Welcome 

Modern life is almost perfectly 

adapted to getting us down. All that 

sitting. All that time to overthink. 

Am I good enough? How should I be 

different? What will make me happy? 

And it rather suits the modern 

world for us to feel like this – to be 

dissatisfied, mean to ourselves and like 

we need to catch up – in ways only 

consumption can help. But it doesn’t 

help, and as science continues to discover and doctors 

urge, walking – little, often, outdoors – does. In fact it’s 

a brilliant way to get on better terms with yourself, to 

be kinder in the way a really good friend would be – 

accepting, encouraging, full of positivity. Be that friend 

to yourself, tap the deep wells of resilience, health and 

happiness that exist inside you – and go an adventure 

together that’ll be the envy of your social circle. 

#walk1000miles will give you the body and feelings of 

simple contentment you may have thought were behind 

you. It will put you in touch with a community which will 

restore your faith in humanity. It will show you things in 

nature and moments in time that will surprise and delight 

you forever. It will turn dead time into positive purpose. 

It will put colour in your cheeks and a song in your heart. 

It will proof you against every imaginable kind of physical 

and mental scourge. It’ll give you a hell of a year. All the 

proof of that is in the stories you’ll read in this magazine. 

And whatever you imagine is holding you back – 

too busy, too unfit, too inexperienced, the wrong type 

of person – has been proved illusory by hundreds of 

thousands of successful 1000-milers assailed by similar 

doubts. You deserve to feel happy and healthy, to have 

brilliant memories and a warm circle of friends. And today 

is the perfect time to start the journey that will take you 

there. If not you, who? If not now, when? 

Contents 

04 How far is 1000 miles? 

08 But why do it? 

10 How it works 

17 How it feels 

18 The best advice 

20 Meet our partners 

23 Do it for your HEALTH 

24 Doctors + science 

26 Your secret superpower 

35 Do it for your HAPPINESS 

41 Do it for the ADVENTURE 

49 Do it for WEIGHT LOSS 

55 Do it for the FUN of it 

60 What gear do I need? 

63 #walk1000miles goodies 

Our partners 

Sign 

up now! 

Guy Procter, Editor, 

Country Walking 

UK’s best-selling 

walking magazine 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk 



miles 

2022


How FAR is 

1000 miles? 

It’s both a LOT and a LITTLE 

PHOTO: ANTON BALAZH/SHUTTERSTOCK 

LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS 

4 WALK 1000 MILES 2022

First things first 



miles 


PHOTO: JACOB LUND/SHUTTERSTOCK 

2.74 MILES / DAY 

It’s the distance from Land’s 

End to John o’Groats the long 

way. It’s 5000 Eiffel Towers. 

It’s further than 99.999% of 

people have ever walked in a 

year. But wait! It’s also round 

the block, across the fields, 

20 snatched minutes to 

yourself in a busy day... 

WALK 1000 MILES 2022 5


PHOTO: MIMAGEPHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK 

alk 1000 miles in a 

year and you really 

Wwill have walked the 

length of the entire Kingdom, 

the equivalent of more than 

10 West Highland Ways, all the 

way across the Gobi desert or 

a quarter of the way to the 

Earth’s core (and those are 

sort of facts you’ll want to 

drop into conversation). It will 

SOUND exhausting – extreme 

– unthinkable. But here’s the 

thing: at no point will you FEEL 

like you are undertaking a 

harsh athletic endeavour. Nor 

will your life be disrupted, or 

relationships compromised 

(quite the opposite). As your 

miles (and quarter-miles and 

half-miles) patch themselves 

together pleasantly, peaceably 

and without fuss you’ll be 

noticing far more than the 

ticking of any clock, the 

accumulation of data points 

in a performance tracking app 

or anything like pressure to 

reach a finish line. 

Instead you’ll be enjoying 

the feeling of your body doing 

what comes naturally to it; 

re-establishing your place in 

the world along with all its 

myriad furry, feathery, fragrant 

co-inhabitants. You’ll feel 

your thoughts slotting into 

order and a better sense of 

perspective establishing 

itself. You’ll be minting new 

memories and having chance 

encounters; finding a 

surprising amount to like 

in your fellow man and in 

yourself; enjoying your 

reflection in the mirror a little 

more, and the strength of your 

simple appetites – for food, 

pleasure, rest and more – 

rather a lot. The fact you’ll 

be wending your way toward 

a 1000 mile total – which will 

seem such a cruel taskmaster 

to outsiders – will seem almost 

an aside. 

Only when you reach that 

1000 (very possibly sooner 

than you think) will you feel 

inclined to ponder the scale 

of your achievement. And 

what a truly whopping thing 

you’ll have done, in the same 

time everyone else has had 

available to them. And if you 

can do that – one step at a 

time – just think: what else 

might you achieve? 

‘At no point will you FEEL 

like you are undertaking a 

harsh athletic endeavour’ 

Your 

flexible 

friend 

#walk1000miles is 

nothing if not flexible – 

you can do it anywhere, 

you follow no 

prescribed route, 

you can have the days 

off you like, the sights 

you see and things 

you experience will be 

unique to you. Yet you 

will have one thing in 

common with every 

other challenger: the 

gradual accumulation 

of miles; objective, 

fixed, unperishing miles 

which once built up can 

never be taken away. 

Not one millimetre of 

them. And what a giant 

undertaking all the 

miles add up to – all 

those morning walks, 

the lunchtime halfhours 

and weekend 

adventures. To measure 

your progress on a 

literal map of Land’s 

End to John o’Groats 

(and get your 

gorgeous Completer 

Medal when you 

finish) sign 

up to Walk 

1000miles+ for 

£12.99. More 

details at 

www. 

walk1000 

miles.co.uk/ 

signup 


“My Bridgedales never fail me and 

have been my trusty companions 

on 1000’s of miles.” 

Vicky Toghill 

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But why do it? 

Because the human condition responds amazingly well 

to the application of small, regular doses of walking… 

‘#walk1000miles is 

a really positive 

challenge. I think 

it’s the best dose of 

energy, positivity 

and happiness. 

And on top of all 

that, it’s all for 

free!’ Clare Balding 

‘I’ve had 

so many 

experiences, 

seen amazing 

views and got so much 

more to talk about. And 

my fitness aspirations 

have gone limitless.’ 

Tony Easter 

‘#walk1000 

miles has 

injected my 

life with fun, 

fitness, laughter, freedom, 

friendship, achievement 

and pride!’ Sarah Davis 

‘You connect 

more, you smile 

more and it 

leaves you with 

just the most content 

feeling. Don’t wait!’ 

Hazel Hayward 

‘I feel so much 

better in myself 

– the weight 

loss was an 

added bonus!’ 

David Wilson 

‘I love how I am only ever competing 

against myself!’ 

Clair Maskell (4 stone lost) 

‘I feel epic 

and fresh.’ 

Melanie 

Moss-Burton 

‘I call walking the 

‘Natural Health Service’ 

and it’s never been more 

important. Welcoming, 

inclusive, and connecting 

people from all kinds 

of backgrounds, 

#walk1000miles is a 

powerful force for good.’ 

Maxwell Ayamba 

‘I’m healthier 

and happier 

than I’ve ever 

been.’ 

Claire Lindfield 


Vox pops 

‘Been doing it since 2018 and never 

tire of it. You just feel SO MUCH 

BETTER!’ Claire Rhodes 



miles 


‘It’s made 

me feel 

alive again.’ 

Sandra Plaice 

‘I’m incredibly 

proud of myself. 

It has done 

wonders for my 

self belief.’ Gerri Hickton 

‘It’s achievable and not 

beyond anyone – a way 

to connect and to 

encourage yourself 

to get out there. 

#walk1000miles is a 

fantastic idea and now’s 

the time.’ JB Gill 

‘Got me 

off the 

blood 

pressure 

pills at last.’ 

David Edwards 

‘Never 

underestimate 

the benefits.’ 

Denise Roberts 

‘Quietly, 

gently, 

nondramatically, 

changed my life for 

the better, for ever.’ 

Lisa Glashan 

‘Made my 

life go from 

black and white 

to glorious 

technicolour, really 

connected us as a family 

and we are all just so much 

happier.’ Simon Morgan 

‘I feel happier, 

healthier, and 

proud. It’s 

amazing the 

difference a year makes!’ 

Sharon Ost 

‘I’ve found that walking has 

become an indispensable 

way of coping with the 

potential threat of 

depressive moods. It’s 

freedom to think – to 

swing the body and feel 

that you can change 

yourself, one step at a time. 

#walk1000miles is an idea 

without flaw.’ Stephen Fry 

‘The most 

simple thing 

to do just 

walk, yet the 

difference it can make to 

your wellbeing is mind 

blowing.’ Katinka Prentis 



How it works 

It’s really simple: 

2.74 x 365 = 1000 


ou walk an average of 

2.74 miles a day for 12 

Ymonths and keep track 

as the total adds up on the 

Progress Chart you’ll find with 

this month’s magazine, or 

on our virtual journey from 

Land’s End to John o’Groats 

with our Walk1000miles+ 

package. You make friends 

and celebrate reaching 

milestones in the Facebook 

group, and we email you 

newsletters and print pictures 

and stories of what you get 

up to on the way. You’re 

rewarded with a fantastic 

medal. And in essence that’s 

it. And yet it’s a challenge 

unlike any other: you do it on 

your own, but you’re part of 

a massive community. You 

can expect tons of support, 

but look forward to all the 

glorious isolation you desire. 

You can win prizes along the 

way but it isn’t a competition. 

Except in one sense it is: it’s 

Getting started 



miles 


a competition 

between the old you 

and the new. How big a 

difference can I make to my 

health and happiness, just by 

walking? How far can I really 

go in a year? How much 

further than last year? How 

much more enjoyable, and 

purposeful can life be, no 

matter what the world throws 

at us? We have hundreds of 

thousands of reasons to believe 

the answers will surprise you. 



What happens now? 

Sign up free 

Register free at www.walk1000miles.co.uk/ 

signup. You’ll get our email newsletters and 

competitions. Be sure to tick the box that 

says we can contact you or you’ll miss out. 

Upgrade to 

Walk1000 

miles+ 

See your mileage 

build on a virtual 

journey from Land’s 

End to John o’Groats, 

get milestone 

messages and a 

stunning medal when 

you reach 1000 miles 

with Walk1000miles+, 

all for £12.99. 

START 

Join the Facebook group 

The friendliest community on the internet is here 

to support you, cheer you, pick you up when 

you’re down and leave no question unanswered. 

Join today, and check the pinned post: 

www.facebook.com/groups/walk1000miles 

Get your badge & more 

Remind yourself daily of your quest and identify 

yourself to other challengers – or as you’ll come 

to know them, ‘Badgers’! 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/shop 

Subscribe 

Get Country Walking – the clubhouse of the 

challenge, source of new mini-challenges and 

27 routes every month and UK’s best-selling 

AND fastest-growing outdoors mag. 

www.greatmagazines.co.uk/cw 

Check your daily target 

Check how your daily average target changes 

with the miles covered so far using our instant 

tool at www.walk1000miles.co.uk 





miles 


Name your chart 

Entering each day’s miles on your Progress 

Chart on the fridge is addictive! Recording 

daily miles in the boxes, watch your progress 

built in the thermometer; shade a county for 

every 10 miles walked on the map side. 

Set your first incentive 

Think of a tempting incentive for yourself in the 

100-mile box, because walking more is all about 

opportunities to enjoy life more. Meal out? 

Film night? New socks? You deserve it! 

PHOTO: CAROLYN JENKINS/ALAMY- 

Take the 

pledge 

Iron-clad your 

ambition by going 

public – download 

and fill in your 

pledge and post 

a picture on your 

social media 

account. Now you’re 

accountable! www. 

walk1000miles. 

co.uk/pledge 

Post this to your Story 

Leave your friends in awe (and a massive 

hostage to fortune) by posting this video on 

your Facebook or Instagram Story. Download it 

in one click from walk1000miles.co.uk/stories 

Watch this video 

Any time you need a lift, remind yourself of the 

power of walking to change lives one easy step 

at time! www.walk1000miles.co.uk 

Get walking! 

Anywhere, any time – you can even do it (the 

whole thing) in your lunch hour every day. 



Any tips for getting 

my miles in? 

Here are some simple ideas that 

can make a huge difference… 

Walk at lunch 

A lunchtime walk can be the 

bedrock of your 1000-mile 

quest. A two-mile walk each 

day will rack up nearly threequarters 

of your total by year 

end. And it makes you MUCH 

more chirpy in the afternoon! 

Enlist a buddy 

It’s extra motivation to wrench 

yourself away from the daily 

demands of your life and walk 

if you’re doing it in real or 

virtual company. Support and 

good-natured competition 

can be a powerful force! 

Start early… 

If a lunchtime walk is hard to 

swing, set your alarm 30 

minutes early and get out while 

the rest of the world is asleep. 

You’ll set your mood to sunny, 

and boost your chance of 

coming across something you 

think about for the rest of the 

day – shy wildlife, a brainwave, 

a friendly hello or a sunrise. 

…Or finish late! 

An evening walk is the perfect 

way to wind down, process 

the day and get body and 

brain ready for healthy sleep. 

Get the map 

Buy your local Ordnance 

Survey map and open it out on 

the floor. See those coloured 

dashed lines? You can walk 

every single one of those – any 

time you want! It’s a privilege 

unique to the UK. Try some at 

random – or walk them all, 

highlighting each as you do. 

Give yourself a 

thinking project 

Walking is a great way to 

switch your brain off. Equally, it 

makes for ideal thinking time. 

That problem that seemed 

impassable? Walk and be 

surprised how quickly you 

find a solution. Everyone from 

Wordsworth to Einstein found 

inspiration in walking. 

A photo a day 

Resolve to come back with one 

photo each time you go out on 

your walk. It could be the same 

thing each day (a tree that 

transforms with the seasons, 

maybe) or a different sight 

every time. It tunes you into the 

world around you, and lets you 

build up a gallery of micromoments 

from your challenge. 

Keep up the chain 

There’s real power in a chain 

of habit. Walk half a mile even 

if you don’t feel like it so your 

Progress Chart shows no gaps. 

The longer the chain the 

stronger the motivation. 

Be more dog! 

A canine companion gives you 

an automatic reason to go 

walking (and there’s a medal 

for them too this year). But 

even if you’ve got no dog, 

think of your body as that dog: 

it MUST get its exercise even if 

Brain is having a glum day. 

Make plans 

Use the routes in the back 

of Country Walking (there’s 

27 every month) to explore 

new areas. Want company? 

Have a look in the Events tag 

in the Facebook group and 

join a meetup or create a new 

one. They’re all sizes and a 

great way to make friends. 

What if I’ve 

done it before? 

Target 10% or 25%, 50% or 

even 100% more than your 

2021 total. Or beat the date by 

which you hit 1000 last year. 

Save £1 a mile to treat yourself 

to something spectacular – or 


make a donation to charity. 

Join a meetup for the first time 

– or organise one. Keep a 

journal to remember what you 

see. Draw a sketch or take a 

photo a day. Walk every path 

on your map. Walk a path in 

real or virtual stages. We’d 

love to hear how you plan to 

personalise your challenge! 

Tell us all about it in the 

Facebook group. 

But but but… 

What if you have short legs? 

You’re really unfit? You can’t 

read a map? You’re busy with 

work? You never have an hour 

to yourself? All these anxieties 

are understandable – but give 

us a week. Aim for 45-minutes 

walking a day for seven days, 

from your front door, and see: 

1) How far you’ve come, 2) 

How none of the objections 

need be a barrier to success, 

and 3) How much you want 

to keep going, in the happy 

company you’re keeping! 


What else do I 

need to know? 

I just start walking? 

Anywhere? 

The adventure starts right at your 

door. And part of the beauty of the 

challenge is it’s up to you to set the 

precise rules – it’s YOUR challenge, 

not a competition. Many people, 

particularly those starting from a 

lower fitness level, will choose to 

count every step on their step 

counter or phone’s health app. Most 

will count all the miles they do that they wouldn’t 

otherwise have walked before – and whether it’s in your 

lunch break, getting off the tube a stop early, round the 

block in the evening or exploring the country it all adds 

up. Some will count only the miles they cover on walks 

with boots on and in the countryside. It’s up to you! 

How do I record my miles? 

If you’re counting every step, use the Health 

Kit or Google Fit app on your smartphone, or 

your Fitbit-type device. If you want to choose 

what activity to count, try the OS Maps app, 

which can track your walks. Upgrade to 

Walk1000miles+ to plot your progress from 

Land’s End to John o’Groats. Combine any one 

of these methods with your Progress Chart (fun to fill in 

and immune to technical glitches!) and you’re all set! 


Are there any rewards? 

Apart from that addictive post-walk glow, your Progress 

Chart has spaces for you to add your own milestone treats 

– and you shouldn’t underestimate the power of positive 

reinforcement of your new walking habit. This year’s 

Completer medals are more beautiful than ever (get your 

1000-mile medal via Walk1000miles+ but also available in 

our shop for 500-, 1500- and 

2000-miles) and there’s 

always new merchandise at 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/ 

shop 


miles 



DEUTER 

IS FOR 

LEADING LIGHTS 

#deuterforever 

FUTURA 25 SL 

deutergb.co.uk


Victory! 

How it feels 



miles 


The rewards of walking 1000 miles are many and varied – 

but there’s nothing quite like that medal-earning moment… 

‘So emotional! I’ve been so poorly 

this last year but walking kept me 

sane. I’ve never been a big walker – 

I was always a pop to the shop in the 

car kind of person. I watched for a 

couple of months how amazing you 

all were then I thought I’ve never had a medal for anything. 

I really wanted something to be proud of, a challenge I 

pushed myself to complete. Now I’ve done it and I am. 

This was where I completed.’ Danielle Faulkner 

‘I’ve done it! 

1000 boots 

on miles. 

Trekked the 

Cleveland 

Way solo. 

Found some lovely new 

friends. Made a tonne 

of memories.’ 

Annabel Owens 

‘My first ever 

sporting 

achievement. 

Have to admit 

I’m feeling 

just a little bit 

chuffed.’ Sally Allen 

‘I am so 

chuffed! Read 

everyone’s 

great posts 

and I’m so 

pleased I’ve 

got something to say at 

last!’ Monica Parkinson 

‘Never thought it 

was possible for me, 

but I’ve done it. I’ve 

also laughed until 

I’ve cried and had 

the most amazing 

‘1000 miles each, adventure.’ Sue Braddock 

celebrated on a wild 

camp – whoop!’ 

Nina Claire Trollope 

‘The first thing 

I’ve achieved 

in many years 

and I forgot 

what a sense 

of pride you 

feel when 

you’re recognised 

for an achievement!’ 

Terri McLoughlin 

You can get your 

1000-mile 

Completer’s Medal sent 

to you at your moment of 

triumph by upgrading 

Walk1000miles+ for £12.99. 

Sign up at www. 

walk1000miles.co.uk/ 

signup 






miles 


The best advice 

...is the advice you wish you could have given yourself. Some 

practical, some poignant, all to the point: these are some of the 

messages 1000-mile completers said they most wished they could 

have sent to their pre-1000-mile selves. (Spoiler: Do it. Do it now) 

Every mile counts, and short 

walks are just as valuable as 

long walks. Keep going! 

Melanie Gilbert, 65, 

Chesterfield 

Thank you for being 

brave enough to take 

on this challenge. 

Susie Clark, 65, Fife 

Don’t think twice! Dip your 

toe in, interact with 

Facebook groups and join a 

walk with others. Nobody 

judges you except yourself! 

Gerri Hickton, 48, Draycott 

Just make the effort 

to get out there every 

day, no matter what 

the weather, no 

matter how you feel. 

Even just for ½mile. 

It’s wonderful. 

Clare Ellis, 45, 

Lincolnshire 

Don’t be afraid 

to join up. You 

will be able to 

do it and you 

will feel so 

much better. 

Lorraine 

Rogers, 57, 

Leeds 

I know it’s hard, I know you’re quite shy, 

I know you find it diffcult some days to 

motivate yourself, but I PROMISE you will 

meet lovely people, you will talk to 

strangers, you will help another person 

during the low times by possibly being 

the only person they chat to that day, and 

by doing that you will have no idea how 

much happiness you can spread. All this... 

just by being you. Nothing major… just by 

going with the good days, by forcing 

yourself some days, but most of all by 

enjoying all your outings, no matter how 

short or how long, or how near to home 

or far away. And you did this all for YOU! 

Lynn Grant, Wirral 

You don’t have to 

be perfect and 

slim before you 

can enjoy life. 

Rachel 

Henderson, 55, 

Scottish Borders 

Don’t worry about 

hitting the thousand 

miles, just target it one 

hundred miles at a time. 

Andy Southcombe, 40, 

Oxted 

Get out there. 

It’ll be the best 

part of your day. 

Jo Barton, 56, 

Newport 

Don’t worry 

about the small 

stuff. Get out and 

experience the 

here and now. Be 

in the moment 

and enjoy! 

Jennifer Lennon, 

48, Altrincham 



Meet our partners 

As enthusiastic about the challenge as you and hand-picked to 

enhance your 1000 miles, meet the brands with you every step of 

the way. Look out for their exclusive offers at walk1000miles.co.uk 

Trekmates 

Accessories partner 

Outdoor accessories & equipment since 1997. 

“At Trekmates we’re all about participation in 

the outdoors and the many benefits that can 

bring, so becoming part of the #walk1000miles 

community was an absolute no-brainer for us. 

Our range of outdoor accessories and equipment 

is built to cater to the needs of everyone from 

those taking their first steps on their 1000-mile 

journey to seasoned hill walkers bagging that 

final Munro”. Duncan Machin, MD 

Scarpa 

Footwear partner 

“Scarpa has been a world leader in 

footwear for over 80 years, continually 

innovating. We are passionate about the 

outdoors and creating the best footwear 

possible and have an extensive collection 

of boots and shoes to ensure people 

have the best fit, performance 

and comfort at all times. 

We’re pleased to partner the 

challenge to encourage more 

people to get walking and 

enjoying the outdoors.” 

Glyn Padgett, 

Sales Director 

Sportsshoes.com 

Retail partner 

UK’s no.1 run, gym and hike online retailer. 

“Over 17,000 products coupled with 

unrivalled advice to help you make 

confident purchases – from live expert 

guides to detailed reviews. And with over 

1000 sustainable products, you can walk 

your greenest 1000 miles yet.” 

Brett Bannister, MD 

Bridgedale 

Sock partner 

100 years the best socks. 

“The challenge matches 

our goal of getting people 

to make small changes to 

enhance their health and wellbeing. 

Our hearts are in the 

same place. We’ve supported 

the campaign from day one and it’s achieving 

our shared objective.” Mark Brennan, MD 

Ordnance Survey 

Navigation partner 

Unlocking the Great British outdoors. 

“OS Maps is the 

perfect companion 

to help ensure your 

1000 miles leads to 

discovery, adventure 

and lasting memories.” 

Nick Giles, MD 


Fujifilm 

Photography 

partner 

Top-rated cameras since 1934. 

“Walking is a wonderful 

opportunity to reconnect with the great 

outdoors, and improve your mind and fitness, 

and capturing beautiful memories of this most 

remarkable year will be key. We look forward to 

being part of the 2022 community and seeing 

everyone’s photos!” Jeannie Corby, PR Manager 

Our partners 

HF Holidays 

Travel partner 

Award-winning walking holidays. 

Over 100 years’ experience has taught 

us the ingredients for a perfect hike, 

so whether you’re a hardy hiker or an 

occasional ambler, leave all the planning 

and navigation to us. Our 17 UK country 

houses and over 60 European and 

worldwide destinations are waiting to 

make your #walk1000miles unforgettable. 



miles 


Forestry England 

Nature partner 

Caring for woodlands for over 100 years. 

“Caring for over 1500 of our nation’s 

forests for the benefit and enjoyment of 

all, we shape landscapes for people, 

wildlife and timber. We’ve built over 1800 

miles of walking, running and cycling 

trails, and supply England’s largest 

amount of sustainably-sourced wood, 

while conserving plant & animal habitat.” 

Rebecca Tempest, Campaigns Manager 

Deuter 

Rucksack partner 

Environmentally responsible, 

exceptional rucksacks since 1898. 

“Social responsibility and 

environmental protection 

lie behind rucksacks 

that allow you to enjoy 

your adventure no 

matter how far – packs 

for true lovers of the 

outdoors. We’re proud to 

partner in your inspiring 

journey.” Dave Suddes, 

Brand Director 

The Ramblers 

Campaigning partner 

Since 1935 the Ramblers 

community has led the fight to 

keep Britain’s favourite footpaths and trails open 

to everyone. We’re committed to campaigning 

to keep our countryside open to all and to 

fighting for the things that matter most to 

walkers. Enjoy your amazing #walk1000miles 

journey along our fabulous network of paths, 

tracks and trails. 

Affnity Photo 

Software partner 

The hottest new name in photo editing. 

“Affnity Photo is the best and easiest way 

to make sure the photos you take look as 

beautiful as the view and the moment you 

took them. 

We’re delighted 

to partner this 

life-changing 

challenge. 

John Atkin, 

Head of PR 




miles 


Do it for your 

HEALTH 

walk1000miles.co.uk/health 

The greatest health insurance in the world is also 

the cheapest: a walk every day transforms your chances 

of leading the happy, healthy life you want. 

88% say their 

RESILIENCE and 

IMMUNITY have 

been boosted by 

their walking 

92% say they feel 

more optimistic 

about their 

LONG-TERM 

HEALTH 

prospects 

98% say 

#walk1000miles is 

suitable for people 

of ALL LEVELS of 

physical fitness


‘You only get 

old when you 

stop walking’ 

It’s not often doctors and scientists say 

anything as loudly and clearly as this. 

D 

octors and scientists 

are by nature careful 

with their words, and 

reluctant salespeople. But 

about one thing they let all 

that reticence go, and virtually 

bellow: we should all walk 

more. Not just for our own 

personal perks like stronger 

bums and more colour in our 

cheeks, nor even for the longterm 

lightening of the load a 

fit, happy population puts on 

the NHS; but because if we 

fail to walk, we fail to be fully 

ourselves, fully human, and the 

bonds that join us to our fellow 

man and planet weaken too. 

This may seem like 

overstatement, but listen to 

this sample of quotes about 

walking and #walk1000miles: 

“It’s better than any drug I can 

prescribe”; “It should be at the 

top of the nation’s health 

agenda” “This could save the 

NHS”; “This is a superpower 

we didn’t know we had.” 

Walking is seriously strong 

medicine, and if you can do it 

every day, say scientists and 

medics, you’re surrounding 

your health and happiness 

with the strongest possible 

shield. Enter #walk1000miles. 

“You’ll feel better, you’ll look 

better, you’ll think better,” 

promises neuroscientist 

Shane O’Mara, Professor of 

Experimental Brain Research 

at Trinity College Dublin, 

whose work reveals more and 

more ways in which walking 

benefits us. Findings include a 

link between walking and the 

size of your hippocampus (the 

part of the brain responsible 

for memory, learning and 

attention), an inoculating effect 

against depression, increased 

creativity and problem solving, 

and higher activity in all areas 

of the brain. “Walking literally 

reverses the functional aging 

of the brain,” Professor O’Mara 

says. “And it’s never too late. In 

fact you only get old when you 

stop walking. You don’t stop 

walking because you’re old.” 

Yet modern life and human 

nature conspire to obscure this 

simple truth, say the experts. 

“We underestimate how 

good a walk will make us feel,” 

‘If everybody did #walk1000miles the UK 

would have less anxiety, better mood, better 

sleep, lower blood pressure, less diabetes, 

less heart disease… and comfier shoes.’ 

Dr Laura Watson, GP 


Do it for health 

‘This unique, underrated 

activity sets us apart from other 

species, and brings incredible 

advantages if we do it enough.’ 

Dr Rangan Chatterjee, star of BBC TV show Doctor in the 

House and the resident doctor on BBC 1’s Breakfast. 



miles 


PHOTO: ABO PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK 

says Professor O’Mara. “We live 

in a world that sets incentives 

for us to sit and think as our 

primary activities,” laments GP 

and author Dr Peter Davies. 

“But when we don’t move, feel 

and flow we become fat, unfit, 

flat and grumpy. It’s a lethal 

combination for humans.” 

The answer is at our feet. 

“Walking is stronger medicine 

than any I can prescribe,” says 

Dr Davies. “Walk an hour a day 

doing #walk1000miles and 

you walk away from illness, 

aging, loneliness – conditions 

for which many treatments are 

beside the point.” 

And in the age of the 

pandemic, the role of walking 

in our national resiliency has 

never been more timely, 

says GP Dr Laura Watson: 

“One reason the UK and 

USA have seen higher Covid 

mortality is the high levels of 

obesity and related diabetes. 

We’ve also had skyrocketing 

levels of mental health issues. 

But emerging stronger and 

healthier from all this could be 

as simple as walking an hour a 

day. Choosing to do something 

that costs nothing, is easy 

to do and needs no special 

equipment, that will make all 

aspects of your health and wellbeing 

better, is a no-brainer.” 

It’s an aspiration helped by 

the collective nature of the 

challenge says Professor 

O’Mara: “Walking is good 

for us psychologically. We 

naturally synchronise when we 

walk. And we share a need to 

join something bigger than 

ourselves, which leads to a 

psychological effervescence 

that is uniquely human.” 

It’s a description of the 

collective mood that 

#walk1000miles participants 

will certainly recognise – a 

group of individuals pursuing a 

goal of huge personal benefit, 

yet united in common cause, 

broader societal good and 

connected by an activity 

whose power we are only 

beginning to appreciate. 



Walking: your 

secret superpower 

50% less chance of heart attack 

MILE 1: Your heart rate rises 

and blood vessels dilate, 

supplying more oxygen and 

nutrients to your body and 

fortifying your heart. 

MILE 1000: Your heart is 

less stressed and beats 

slower; you’ve halved your 

risk of suffering a heart 

attack in your fifties and 

sixties, fought off heart 

disease twice as effectively 

as if you were running and 

your cholesterol, blood 

pressure and vascular 

stiffness are all lower. You’ve 

also added five years to your 

life expectancy. 

SUPERPOWER #1 

SUPERPOWER #2 

Younger lungs 

MILE 1: Your lungs expand, 

and the more oxygen-rich 

breath you draw causes 

your capillaries to dilate and 

exchange waste gases for 

fresh more easily. 

MILE 1000: You use oxygen 

more effciently. Your higher 

levels of vitamin D from all 

that daylight make your 

lungs less prone to 

inflammation and 

subsequent disease. 

Decades of gradual aerobic 

function decline have been 

wound back, potentially 

giving a 50-year-old the 

lungs of their twenties. 

An anti-ageing body 

MILE 1: Every muscle, 

tendon and ligament of your 

leg is in play, summoning 

the body’s resources and 

becoming stronger. The 

rhythm of walking puts you 

into ‘muscular meditation’, 

allowing your mind to empty 

and awareness to grow. 

MILE 1000: You have better 

strength, balance, tone and 

coordination; less chance of 

back pain. Your walking has 

prevented muscle wastage 

(something over-sixties can’t 

get back), triggered cells’ 

anti-aging processes and 

even helped repair DNA. 

SUPERPOWER #3 


#Walk1000miles boosts every system in your 

body from the very first mile. Do it every day and you’ll turn 

on superpowers you never dreamed you possessed. 

Photos: Shutterstock 




miles 


Disease-dodging 

MILE 1: Your metabolism, 

gut motility and flora, and 

elimination of toxins begin to 

increase; your blood sugar 

drops by the minute. 

MILE 1000: Your insulin 

levels have dropped while 

your muscles’ sensitivity to it 

has increased, meaning you 

burn energy more effciently 

and fat more readily. Along 

with improved glucose 

control and fatigue 

resistance, your risk of 

obesity and colorectal 

cancer have dropped half; 

your chance of developing 

Type 2 diabetes by 60%. 

SUPERPOWER #4 

SUPERPOWER #5 

Half the chance of hip fracture 

MILE 1: Bones experience 

five times your standing 

weight in force when you 

walk – sending immediate 

signals to build strength 

and density. 

MILE 1000: Fed by walking 

and vitamin D from your 

increased exposure to 

sunlight, your bones are 

stronger and less prone to 

injury in the short term, and 

osteoporosis in the long. 

And unlike aerobics or gym 

work, walking boosts bone 

density in spine and pelvis 

– reducing the chances of 

hip fracture by 50%. 

Mitigate the menopause 

MILE 1: In a climate of 

oestrogen deficiency, a walk 

transfers a vital message 

to your heart and bones – 

I need you to stay strong 

– and they begin to respond. 

MILE 1000: The spectre of 

osteoporosis is in retreat, 

your heart is stronger 

and more resistant to 

cardiovascular disease, your 

mood rides a regular tide of 

endorphins and your selfesteem 

has three powerful 

allies: what you see in the 

mirror, the miles on your 

chart and the control you’re 

taking over your life. 

SUPERPOWER #6 



Super-immunity 

MILE 1: It takes just 10 

minutes exposure to sunlight 

for your body to synthesise 

enough vitamin D to start 

strengthening your bones, 

and boost immunity to 

harms from Covid to cancer. 

MILE 1000: Walking has 

enhanced the inner layer of 

collagen that makes skin 

supple and resilient, and 

rejuvenated its mitochondria 

– your skin’s army of antiageing 

organelles. Your 

immune system is humming 

and has slashed the number 

of days lost to illness in an 

average year. And walking 

as little as nine minutes 

daily between March and 

September has been enough 

to sustain suffcient vitamin 

D levels throughout the 

whole of the winter. 

SUPERPOWER #7 

SUPERPOWER #8 

A bombproof brain 

MILE 1: Your steps sends 

pressure waves through the 

arteries that help regulate 

and increase the supply of 

blood to the brain, boosting 

clear thinking, optimism and 

alertness. Endorphins and 

other neurotransmitters start 

to flow, making walking as 

effective as medication for 

mild to moderate depression 

and anxiety. 

MILE 1000: Circulation is 

stronger, endorphins higher, 

stress hormones lower, 

oxygenation richer and you 

feel better rested, more 

optimistic, more capable. 

Your hippocampus is bigger 

and works better. You’ve cut 

your risk of stroke down by 

a third and of suffering 

depression and Alzheimer’s 

in half. 

Super-mobility 

MILE 1: You feel looser due 

to the release of lubrication 

in your joints; blood flow 

increases to your cartilage, 

helping cushion the ends of 

your bones. 

MILE 1000: Your range of 

motion is greater, your 

chance of injury and arthritis 

lower. Synovial fluid – your 

body’s naturally lubricating 

anti-inflammatory – is oiling 

the movement of your hips, 

knees and ankles. Increased 

muscle strength and weight 

loss have taken pressure off 

your joints. In fact for every 

pound you’ve lost, four 

pounds less pressure is 

being exerted on your joints, 

contributing to the fact that 

in later life your chance of 

suffering a mobility disability 

has reduced by 85%. 

SUPERPOWER #9 


Solve problems 

MILE 1: Research reveals 

walking for as little as 5-16 

minutes boosts problem 

solving and creativity by 

60%. Einstein went for a walk 

when he needed a complex 

problem solving; Dickens 

couldn’t write without his 

daily constitutional: it’ll work 

for you. 

MILE 1000: You see further 

ahead in life, and more easily 

around diffculties: you are 

a habitual ‘walker-out’ of 

problems and things are in 

perspective. If you’ve enticed 

your children to join you in 

your mission, great news: 

according to research at 

Kobe University in Japan, 

childhood physical activity 

boosts their cognitive 

function throughout their 

whole lives. 




miles 


SUPERPOWER #10 


Sleep better – or don’t 

MILE 1: Research published 

in the Sleep Journal found 

that a walk of as little as 20 

minutes (about a mile) is 

positively correlated with 

deeper, more restful sleep. 

MILE 1000: You sleep like a 

baby. But even if you didn’t 

– good news. While poor 

sleep can lead to heart 

problems, stroke, cancer and 

a heightened chance of early 

death, a study of nearly 

400,000 people by 

University College London 

and the University of 

Sydney found the equivalent 

of 150 minutes brisk walking 

each week (which doing 

#walk1000miles easily 

surpasses) eliminates 

nearly all the links between 

poor sleep and harm to 

your health. 

Super-vision 

MILE 1: Your ciliary 

(focusing) muscles relax 

as you look further ahead, 

releasing tension; your 

whole eye benefits from 

the workout of repeated 

switching between near 

and far objects. 

MILE 1000: Your daily walk 

has lowered your intraocular 

pressure (the pressure in 

your eye) and boosted blood 

flow to retina and optic 

nerve. You’ve reduced the 

chance of cataracts and 

slashed the risk of 

developing glaucoma by 

73% (a serious eye condition 

which can lead to blindness). 

You’ve also increased 

activity in your visual cortex 

– meaning you see and 

comprehend more than 

pre-#walk1000miles you. 




Your stories 

Doctors astonished, diagnoses reversed, life directions 

changed: walking really is strong medicine... 

‘Protected me from 

chronic fatigue’ 

‘It has protected me from my 

chronic fatigue robbing me 

of any more of my health, and 

given a positive purpose to this 

diffcult Covid year. I might have 

lost my ability to walk entirely 

if I hadn’t committed myself to 

the challenge.’ 

Sarah Furmage, 58, 

Birmingham 

‘20bpm down!’ 

‘My resting heart rate has 

decreased A LOT – by 

20 beats per minute! And 

I feel like I am free from 

“real life” when walking. 

Like I am the old me. 

Happier and more alive!’ 

Cath Pryce, 43, 

Bishopthorpe 

‘Awash 

with good 

cholesterol’ 

This is my fourth year and 

I’m amazed – the hills 

have got flatter, the 

miles shorter, I’m awash 

with good cholesterol 

and apparently my 

triglycerides have halved. 

Do it. Just keep going, 

tweak things if the 

targets set begin to 

cause anxiety, be kind to 

yourself and celebrate 

your successes, both 

the big and the small. 

And if you ever need 

some encouragement, 

just post on our 

wonderfully supportive 

Facebook page.’ 

Olwen Davies,62, Luton 

‘Small change, 

massive benefit’ 

‘I used to spend my nights sat 

on the sofa, eating crisps. Now 

I’m out after work every day 

for a few miles to keep the 

mileage ticking over. Such 

a small change, but such a 

massive benefit: I’ve lost 

weight, toned up and I’m 

mentally so much stronger.’ 

Karl Slater, 35, Cleckheaton 


‘I was mostly 

housebound 

for years’ 

‘I’ve been mostly housebound 

with ME for nine years now. 

My lifeline to the outside world 

has been my electric scooter, 

which has made it possible 

for me to get my kids to 

school, pop to the shops, etc. 

But last year, with everyone 

forcibly home, it gave me 

the opportunity to gradually 

increase my walking and with 

the 1000 mile challenge to 

spur me on I’ve managed to 

HUGELY increase my fitness, 

the number of miles I can 

cover and my recovery time. 

When I signed up, I thought 

I would be struggling to get 

the miles in, so completing the 

challenge in September was a 

massive surprise. I surpassed 

even my wildest dreams with 

this challenge. Thank you!’ 

Jo Hardstaff, 36, Whitstable 




miles 


From chemo 

to hero 

‘Following four months of 

intensive chemo and a stem 

cell transplant a copy of 

Country Walking was given 

to me as a get-well-soon 

present. It was the focus 

and incentive I needed. 

I’ve gone from dreaming 

of walking a mile or two to 

being able to do anything 

– and the magazine and my 

new-found friends within 

the CW fraternity have been 

my inspiration. Thank you!’ 

Paul Watts, 72, Shropshire 



‘It’s amazing’ 

‘I was one step from being 

a diabetic last year. Now 

I’m a fair distance away from 

it, and just from walking. Plus 

it’s a great way to relax and 

calm your mind. I’ve always 

loved nature, but since 

#walk1000miles my interest 

has quadrupled, I’m less 

anxious, In fact I’m well 

chilled now. It’s amazing.’ 

Carol Bianca, 65, Bucks 

‘Love this 

challenge!’ 

‘My asthma symptoms have 

reduced, my fitness has 

improved and I can walk much 

further than in previous years. 

I’ve also managed to get a 

neighbour, who hates any form 

of exercise, to start regularly 

walking with me and she now 

loves our walk and talks. I love 

this challenge!’ 

Jodie Swain, 34, Powys 

‘Literally saved 

my life’ 

‘I had a mild heart attack 

last Wednesday. Three 

ambulances, three 

hospitals; I had an 

angiograph and a stent 

fitted in my left artery. 

Without starting 

#walk1000miles, giving up 

smoking and losing two 

stone it could have been 

very, very different. I think 

the challenge has saved 

my life, quite literally.’ 

Bev Anderson, 62, 

Lichfield 

‘In tune with 

my body’ 

‘At age 76, I hadn’t 

expected I would be 

able to walk every 

single day, but I’ve 

done just that. I 

assumed motivation 

or health or weather 

would have stopped 

me on some days, but 

no. Now my blood 

pressure and blood 

sugar levels have 

dropped and I love the 

fact I feel in tune with 

my body. Give it a try. 

You will not regret it!’ 

Marilyn Lipton, 76, 

West Bromwich 


From COPD to AOK 

‘Diagnosed with COPD before 

I took up the challenge, but 

my overall health and fitness 

has improved dramatically 

since then. I didn’t think I’d 

have the stamina or willpower 

to stick to the challenge, but 

I did it. And although I live in 

the middle of an estate on 

the outskirts of town, I’ve 

discovered I’m only minutes 

from quiet, scenic footpaths 

I never knew existed. Every 

new footpath I find is an 

exciting new experience.’ 

Alvin Denovellis, 67, Carlisle 




miles 


‘It’s for 

everyone’ 

‘#walk1000miles is 

the only gathering of 

‘outdoorsy people’ I’ve 

ever been in where 

my serious physical 

limitations are not 

seen as a barrier to 

belonging. It’s for 

everyone. Even the 

people who can’t walk 

1000 miles. You will be 

welcomed in. You will 

be supported and 

uplifted. It’s a space for 

everyone who wants to 

try and move more or 

be outside more. 

Welcome to your tribe.’ 

Rosaidh Phillips, 32, 

Chronic fatigue 

sufferer, aiming for 

500 miles, Scotland 

‘Injected so much joy’ 

‘As a post-menopausal 

woman, I’ve been pleased by 

the improvement in muscle 

strength. As I reached my 

60s, I wondered if I had the 

stamina to walk more than 10 

or 12 miles in one go. Turns 

out I had! The challenge has 

injected so much joy in my 

life. I know now that when 

my mood is low or flat, even 

the shortest walk in fresh air, 

by the sea or in woodland, 

will remedy most ills. Never, 

for one moment, think that 

you can’t do this. You can.’ 

Anne England, 63, 

Portsmouth 




miles 

2022



miles 


Do it for 

HAPPINESS 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/happiness 

Peace, positivity, perspective and an ability to 

meet life’s challenges and come out whooping. 

A little walking goes a very long way... 

97% FEEL 

HAPPIER as a 

result of doing 

the challenge 

83% say taking part is 

effective AGAINST 

LONELINESS 

99% think walking is 

EFFECTIVE against 

depression & anxiety


‘Helped me cope’ 

‘It has helped me cope with 

a variety of things from no 

income and worrying about 

money, being poorly, 

bereavement and general 

day-to-day anxieties. I have 

a more positive attitude 

towards life now. I talk more 

rather than bottling things up 

and letting things get on top of 

me. And that’s a direct result 

of this challenge. I’m just more 

confident and calm.’ 

Samantha Weston, 37, 

Darlington 

‘More than I 

ever imagined’ 

‘Walking is like meditation for 

me. It gives me the space to 

think – or NOT to think – and 

helps clear my mind, sort out 

any inner arguments I might 

be having with myself. I feel a 

lighter within my headspace 

and a whole lot fitter 

physically. In fact the benefits 

to my health (mental and 

physical) are far greater than 

I could have ever imagined.’ 

Kate Sutcliffe, Pennines 

‘Off the pills 

and feel fab!’ 

‘I started the year on antidepressants, 

but came off 

them within a month. I also 

tried CBT but was told I’d 

got myself in a better 

position than they could, so 

I didn’t need the full course. 

I still have the odd low day, 

but most are brighter!’ 

Louisa Burnett, 39, 

Dornoch 

‘Saved my life’ 

‘Walking has helped 

immensely with my 

mental health – when I 

was at my lowest with 

back problems I think it 

potentially saved my life. 

Walking is a great way 

of working through 

problems. It makes 

me happier which is 

contagious. And the 

challenge has made me 

realise how much I’m 

capable of doing as well 

as having given me 

greater confidence in 

life in general.’ 

Kirsten Clayton, 53, 

Staffordshire 


‘I’m more positive’ 

‘This challenge has proved 

I can complete the things 

I set my mind to. Now I 

embrace challenges at 

work with the same steady 

approach as getting the 

miles done, which has led 

to more productivity and 

positivity. At home there’s 

a calmer approach to 

almost everything. And the 

extra time taken to process 

things I might have left 

unchecked and bottled up 

has helped too. Plus I feel 

like I have more empathy. 

‘Totally changed 

my life’ 

‘I was always tired and never 

wanted to go out. Or do 

anything. In the early days of 

the challenge I even had to set 

the alarm to make me go out 

for my walk. But now I’ve 

started cooking from scratch, 

I make my own bread, smiling; 

I feel like I’ve totally changed 

my life. Love work, walking, 

cooking, LIFE.’ 

Ian Smith, 62, Edinburgh 

I’ve struggled at times – 

we don’t all sprint our way 

there! – but #walk1000miles 

has made me fitter, more 

resilient and more positive.’ 

Peter Callaghan, 43, 

Leyland 

Do it for happiness 



‘It’s been 

essential’ 

‘#walk1000miles has 

kept us sane, given me 

more stamina and made 

family time more fun. 

Perhaps people think 

I’m a little nuttier, but it’s 

been essential. The day 

I got a cancer diagnosis 

18 years ago, I walked 

3 miles to hang upside 

down over the nearest 

chalk stream. Somehow 

moving gives control 

back to impossible 

things. I’ve always 

walked, but this year 

I really became a walker 

– and thank goodness.’ 

Emma Cameron, 40, 

Bucks 

miles 


‘A lifesaver’ 

‘I had no idea this would turn 

into a lifesaver these last 

couple of diffcult years. 

When I started, 3 miles was 

an eternity and I made 1000 

miles by mid December. Year 

two, I completed it three 

months earlier. Fed up of 

walking on my own I reached 

out to the community and in 

half an hour about six people 

contacted me. We swapped 

numbers, walk and put the 

world to rights! Now in my 

third year, I completed it 

four months earlier, I’m off 

my blood pressure tablets, 

I walk 6 miles a day, and 

have kept sane. Thanks to 

walking and my friends. 

Ele Sutton, 65, Husbands 

Bosworth 



‘Happier, calmer, 

more patient’ 

‘At the start 1000 miles 

seemed really daunting, 

and though I’ve done 

some big walks most of my 

miles have been gained 

by just chipping away and 

going out most days. It’s 

surprising how quickly the 

total starts to increase. 

Then it becomes addictive! 

I’m a much happier and 

calmer person now. I’m 

better at listening and have 

more patience. It’s almost 

as if, by bagging some 

time for a walk, I have 

more time to focus on 

other things. Which is 

quite odd, as when I didn’t 

walk I always thought 

I didn’t have enough 

time for everything that 

needed doing.’ 

Judith Lane, 51, 

Buckingham 

‘More to give’ 

‘I’ve struggled with loneliness 

since my husband left but 

when I push myself to get out, 

I feel so much better and know 

I don’t need him to be here. 

I can do this! And I’m happier 

in myself, so I have more to 

give to other people.’ 

Gill Woodward, 61, Hexham 

Much more to say 

‘I’m healthier physically and 

mentally, I’ve made many 

new friends, embraced all 

the seasons and weather 

and learned about many of 

the birds, plants and animals 

I see. I’ve explored my local 

county and can identify a lot 

of the views now. It gives me 

something to talk about, 

and I know my children are 

proud of my achievement, 

and are probably a little bit 

in awe.’ 

Hannah Sherlock, 56, 

Shrewsbury 


Do it for happiness 

‘The best find of my life’ 

‘Walking has been the best 

find of my life. I would never 

have seen myself where I am 

today – fitter, happier and 

having more fun than ever. 

I am literally living my best 

life! At 52 years old I feel 

younger, happier and alive! 

My husband says I always 

return from a walk with a smile 



miles 


on my face and red cheeks. 

Before I walk he says: “Go find 

your happy place.” On my 

return he hugs me then says: 

“Seeing you after a walk 

makes me happy as I know 

you have had a great day.” 

Walking has brought 

happiness to us both.’ 

Karen Ley, 52, Kent 

‘By me, for me’ 

‘I have low self belief and 

am easily defeated. But with 

#walk1000miles I’ve achieved 

something for me, by me. 

I think it’s very easy as we 

get older to lose ourselves. 

We become someone’s wife/ 

husband/partner/mum/dad 

and we lose sight of who we 

are. Walking gives me the 

headspace to think – and I’ll 

never forget climbing Win 

Hill in Derbyshire to pass my 

1000th mile. Having lived 

in Bamford for many years 

it was somewhere and 

something I’d always wanted 

to do. It was really quite 

emotional actually!’ 

Pam Keighley, 53, 

Chesterfield 

‘So much 

better’ 

‘If ever I feel down I just 

know that a walk will 

make me feel so much 

better. I can’t believe 

that it took me all my 

life to find this out but 

I’m so happy I’m in that 

place now.’ 

Christina Lander, 62, 

Llandovery 

‘It’s been life-changing’ 

‘Truly the best thing I’ve done 

for myself for years. It’s been 

life changing for me to get out 

and have more me-time and 

for my friends. I’d put on 

weight, couldn’t even walk 

up a hill without being out of 

breath and felt down and 

withdrawn. But once I started 

walking it opened up my eyes 

to nature again, cleared my 

mind and made me feel 

good. Now I look forward to 

walking everyday, I’ve lost 

inches and the walking 

trousers I couldn’t do up 

when I started are now loose. 

I see more neighbours as 

they’re out and about and now 

I meet friends for a coffee – 

but we walk first!’ 

Tracie Harris, 56, Welwyn 


of 

Creativity



miles 


Do it for the 

ADVENTURE 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/adventure 

Whether your ambitions stretch to the ends of the earth or 

just a little beyond the end of your road – #walk1000miles’ 

wanderlust has a way of taking you one step beyond... 

91% say they 

DISCOVERED NEW PLACES 

through the challenge 

100% say they are 

now WALKERS 

FOR LIFE 

89% say taking 

part has made 

them MORE 

ADVENTUROUS


‘ Happiness is 

chasing a sunset’ 

Dave Sykes, 46, 

from Manchester 

made the 

challenge harder 

in the most 

rewarding way 

– and it’s changed his life. 

‘For my challenge I set a target 

of doing 1000 adventure miles 

and it’s taken me to some 

amazing places. From the tip 

of South Wales to the far 

Northwest Highlands and 

many places in between. I put 

£1 aside for each mile done 

to fund paid adventures, and 

have scrambled up the curved 

ridge, across Aonach Eagach 

and now I’m setting my sights 

on a winter skills course 

because of this. I can’t wait 

for next year’s 1000 miles. 

‘There’s been so many 

highlights – sunset to sunrise 

on Worms Head in Gower with 

the island to ourselves and a 

couple of seals and guillemots. 

Wild camping at the foot of 

Suilven and waking up to an 

amazing view of the Assynt 

in the morning. Losing my 

car keys part way around the 

Ring of Steall, but choosing to 

summit Sgurr A Mhaim before 

trekking the 10 miles back to 

try and find them – and the 

joy of asking the only other 

hiker on the range that day 

“Have you found any car keys 

mate?” and him saying “What 

model?”. Seeing a frozen 

kinder downforce on a cheeky 

mid-week hike... 

‘I’ve surprised myself with 

the skills and confidence I’ve 

gained and how unlonely 

lonely places can feel – even 

when you’re on your own. I 

challenge you to find a person 

on a mountain who isn’t 

friendly, trustworthy and 

genuine. Then there’s the 

weight loss, muscle gain, 

increased stamina and balance 

(as a self confessed ‘big lad’ 

core strength was something 

I had no concept of). 

‘I should have done this 

years ago, it’s a game changer. 

I was stuck in a cycle of 


MY 

FAVOURITE 

DISCOVERY 

Worms Head on the Gower 

Peninsula – the seals, the light, 

the race against the tide 

scramble over rocks to get on 

it, the waves crashing at night, 

the solitude, that amazing 

rock bridge – just a very 

special place. 

Do it for adventure 



miles 


chasing money which meant 

more hours, more emails, 

more conference calls at 

nights and at weekends. 

I learnt that ‘The Dream’ is a 

lie. More money, bigger cars, 

designer clothes, posh houses 

– they don’t bring happiness. 

Happiness is chasing a sunset, 

bagging a summit, playing last 

to get their feet wet on a ghyll 

scramble... And you know 

what, it’s free. 

‘A group of us enrolled in 

this year’s #walk1000miles 

and we all shared stories and 

adventures. Even during 

lockdown we set ourselves 

the minichallenge of finding 

our nearest trig points – you 

wouldn’t believe where these 

things are hidden. 

‘Doing this has taken my 

walking and mountain 

confidence to the next level. 

I’ve also realised it’s not just 

the sheer number of miles, but 

the journey. And it’s not a race. 

Let’s celebrate the girl who 

bought her first pair of hiking 

boots or the lad that bagged 

his first ever summit. Chase 

the memories not the miles.’ 



‘A new 

outlook on life’ 

‘I’ve travelled to so many more 

places, met some fantastic 

people, got back into camping 

and discovered some fabulous 

countryside. And I even 

climbed up Scafell Pike! It 

was tough, but so rewarding. 

I remember sitting on a rock 

near the top and crying. 

Never done that before. I have 

a new outlook on life. Before 

I wouldn’t even have the 

confidence to go anywhere 

on my own, now I just get out 

and go. I wish I could tell my 

younger self: you should have 

done this more in your spare 

time, this will give you more 

confidence through your life.’ 

Mandy Proud, 56, Bradford 

‘I was afraid of everything!’ 

‘I was nervous about 

getting lost, being too 

unfit to do it, being out in 

the middle of nowhere, 

needing the loo – you 

name it, I was afraid! But 

through this challenge I’ve 

conquered these anxieties 

and have been getting out 

there with my husband, 

the dog and just by myself. 

My confidence has grown, 

I can now read a map, and 

I feel like an adventurer, 

which I’m really proud of. 

‘If I could have a word 

with my younger self now 

I would say stop looking 

at life from the outside 

and get on with it. Get out 

there and walk. It frees 

your mind, moves your 

body and stimulates your 

brain. Be the adventurous 

person you want to be, but 

never thought you could. 

‘Going for a walk 

improves my mood and 

has given me a hobby, but 

it has done our relationship 

the world of good too, 

talking more, and having 

adventures together.’ 

Sarah Davis, 50, 

Tunbridge Wells 

Going solo 

‘A sense of adventure is 

the best thing I’ve gained 

from #walk1000miles. 

This year I walked the 

Cotswold Way, finished 

the last sections of the 

North Downs Way and 

reached the top of my 

first mountain (Pen Y 

Fan). I didn’t have 

an adventuresome 

upbringing so the 

freedom of being on 

a solo hike with just 

my backpack and tent 

is great. 

Thank 

you!’ 

Jane 

Taylor, 55, 

Kent 

‘Words fail me’ 

‘I’d lived less than 2 miles from 

these woods for nearly 20 

years. Then while getting in my 

miles I took a stile over a wall 

that I’d walked past dozens of 

times. Words fail me at the 

beauty of the woods – Pleasley 

Park Woods, near Mansfield. In 

diffcult times they became my 

escape from reality and I would 

never have found them were it 

not for #walk1000miles.’ 

Gill Harris 


‘Never done 

that before!’ 

‘It’s my third year of the challenge and my 

walks have gradually got longer and more 

challenging. This year I undertook a multiday 

hike across part of France on my own. 

I’d never have done anything like it before 

joining this challenge and now I find myself 

dragging friends and family into it too. Stairs 

and small hills don’t make me breathless 

and my body is more toned. Before I 

frowned and flopped in front of the TV, 

now I go outside and smile at other humans. 

I’ve seen so much more, and it makes me 

feel I’m part of something.’ 

Alison Carberry, 43, Clermont-Ferrand 




miles 


‘Amazing sight’ 

‘I am definitely more 

adventurous than I realised. 

I’ve found so many local places 

I didn’t even know existed, 

shocked myself with how far 

I can walk now, and I found the 

Glendoe Eagle Statue up in the 

hills – the most amazing sight! 

I hate being stuck indoors now, 

I’m happier and more resilient.’ 

Michelle Saunders, Tain 

‘Loved every 

minute’ 

‘I’ve used the challenge to 

push myself to do things 

I had never done before. I’d 

never climbed a mountain 

until this year and have now 

climbed five! Being single, 

I’d never been on holiday 

alone but I’ve now been on 

holidays and mini breaks 

and have loved it!’ 

Sue Braddock, 43, 

Hucknall 

‘Liberating and 

life-affrming’ 

‘This year as part of my 1000 

I completed my first solo long 

distance walk, The Dales Way. 

It was fantastic! Liberating and 

life-affrming. When I finished 

I wanted to do it all over again. 

One piece of advice: join the 

#walk1000miles Facebook 

group. It will be a valuable 

source of inspiration, advice, 

support and celebration for 

you – whatever new ground 

you want to break.’ 

Viv Wilde, 56, Doncaster 




Find your 

adventure 

Subscribe to Country Walking and you’ll get 

27 new route guides all over the country, every issue. 

C 

ountry Walking’s stepby-step 

walking guides 

are all tried and tested, 

written and researched by 

local experts and designed to 

introduce you 

to new walks 

in total 

confidence. 

Featuring 

classic routes 

as well as 

local secrets, 

we’ll give 

you the colour, history and 

things to spot that’ll make 

your day on the trail even 

more rewarding. 

Each route is accompanied 

by Ordnance Survey mapping 

and all the helpful information 

you need. There’s space on 

each cut-out-and-carry 

routecard to record your 

rating and date walked, and 

with 27 routes every issue your 

collection soon builds into a 

nationwide discovery guide. 

Country Walking is the bestselling 

and fastest-growing 

outdoors magazine in the UK, 

home of #walk1000miles and 

an endless source of inspiring 

features, award-winning 

photography and the frankest, 

friendliest gear buying advice. 

President of the Ramblers 

Stuart Maconie calls it ‘The 

best outdoors magazine bar 

none’. Subscribe now and 

you’ll be part of the biggest 

and best family in walking. 

www.greatmagazines.co.uk/cw 


Forests care for us. 

Together we care for forests. 

forestryengland.uk

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miles 


Do it for 

WEIGHT-LOSS 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/weightloss 

There’s no greater ally in achieving the body you want – 

and keeping it – than walking. And two-thirds of all participants 

say they got a compliment they put down to taking part! 

96% think diets works 

better combined with 

#WALK1000MILES 

98% said it made 

their weight loss 

EASIER TO 

MAINTAIN 

100% said it 

made the 

weight-loss 

experience 

HAPPIER


‘I feared I 

wouldn’t survive 

if I got Covid’ 

‘In January 2021 I weighed 

15 stone and was so unfit I 

couldn’t walk up the stairs 

without being out of breath. 

I feared I wouldn’t survive if 

I caught Covid. Being a bit of 

serial slimmer I knew I needed 

something to motivate me, 

and I’d just seen one of my 

friends post on Facebook 

about #walk1000miles. 

‘I never in my wildest 

dreams thought I could walk 

1000 miles in one year, but 

decided it was something to 

aim for at least. I started to 

watch what I was eating 

and off I went – the dogs so 

pleased to be getting a longer 

walkies everyday. Well the 

weight dropped off and I felt 

so much better about myself 

and in myself. So I started 

being a bit more adventurous 

and walking some of the lovely 

hills we’re lucky to have in 

Shropshire. I was astonished 

BEFORE 

when in early July I walked 

through the 1000-mile line in 

a lunchbreak walk of a mile! 

‘I’m now four stone lighter, 

gone from size 20 to size 10, 

have conquered Scafell Pike 

and Ben Nevis and I’m getting 

ever closer to achieving 2000 

miles. It feels amazing! This 

is the most important thing 

I’ve ever done for myself. 

My mental health has vastly 

AFTER 

improved, I’ve learned to 

love myself again and grown 

in confidence. I’m just so 

grateful to Country Walking: 

although you don’t know 

me and didn’t know it, your 

inspiration has helped me 

more than I could ever 

describe, and the support 

of the Facebook group is 

second to none.’ 

Dawn Colyer, 42, Telford 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

‘Feels amazing’ 

‘I joined the fantastic #walk1000miles 

weight loss group, and with their support 

and just getting out there putting one foot 

in front of the other, I’ve lost three stone so 

far. I’m confident of losing the next 1½ stone 

and reaching my healthy BMI target in 2022. 

‘I had knee surgery back in 2018 which 

did a brilliant job of getting me mobile again 

after injury, but the extra pounds were 

causing pain and swelling. Relieving that 

feels amazing! Not only has my knee pain 

reduced dramatically, but I feel so much 

better in myself – a real confidence boost!’ 

Katie Johns, 41, South Wales 


‘Walking’s the 

saviour of me’ 

‘Before I started walking 

I was fat, unfit and 

unhealthy at 16½ stone. 

But since signing up for 

#walk1000miles I’ve lost 

7st 8lbs – and walking has 

kept the weight off for the 

first time too. Now my 

whole mindset has 

changed. Every mile has 

made me the person I am 

now and I’ll keep on 

walking. My asthma has 

gone, my arthritis is much 

improved and my anxiety 

has got so much better. 

Walking is the absolute 

saviour of me! 

‘I check in with the 

#walk1000miles 

community daily as it 

inspires me. As well as my 

health, my confidence 

has also improved. I’m 

excelling at my job and my 

relationship is in the best 

place ever after 12 years 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

together. People describe 

me as an inspiration and 

come to me for advice on 

health and fitness. This is 

the single most important 

change I have ever made 

and it’s all due to walking.’ 

Sarah Peplow, 52, Bucks 

‘What a 

difference!’ 

Do it for weight loss 

‘What a difference a few years 

and the enjoyment of walking 

makes! I’m hopeless at selfies 

but they give an idea of the 

change. I feel like a new 

woman, even though I’m still 

very unsure because I don’t 

actually see the change when 

I look in the mirror. But seeing 

the side-by-side photos now, 

I can see I’m eating half and 

walking double.’ 

Alison Sanford 

‘The best 

I’ve felt in 

30 years!’ 



‘I stumbled on the 

challenge and feel the 

best I’ve felt in 30 years! 

I’ve lost six stone and 

found the meditative 

quality of walking. I’m 

hooked on foraging and 

have fallen in love with 

nature. Work is stressful 

and I’m convinced 

walking has protected 

my mental health. I 

remember a proverb 

that says you should 

get out in the forest for 

20 minutes every day 

unless you are really 

busy, then you should 

be out for an hour! 

‘I’m a teacher and one 

of the school bus drivers 

shouted in a Glasgow 

accent: “Lisa, you’ve left 

your bum at hame!” 

‘I love this challenge 

more every year!’ 

Lisa Glashan, 50, 

Strathaven 

miles 




‘So much more confident’ 

‘I was never the slimmest of people growing 

up and my weight steadily increased. Three 

children later I went from an 18 to a 24. 

I used to worry in a car park that I wouldn’t 

have room to get out of the car or be 

conscious of the space I was taking up on 

a train. But with the help of #walk1000miles 

I ended up totalling over 2000 miles and the 

weight and dress sizes have fallen away. 

The challenge, the magazine and the FB 

group keep me motivated. I feel much more 

confident and take pride in how I look.’ 

Carolyn Asplin, 57, Kent 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

‘Nearly died when 

I saw this picture’ 

‘During the boredom of lockdown, l sat in my 

garden eating and drinking. Then when I looked 

back on some festive pictures I nearly died when 

I saw this picture! I’d hit an all-time heavy weight 

of 17st 2lb. That was on January 4th 2021. With 

Covid being around, it seemed to affect larger 

people more. Also my dad has heart problems, 

so being as big as I was could have created 

heart problems for me. 

‘I’ve been doing around 30-40 miles every 

week since then. I’m now 13st 10lb. I’ve had to 

cut down on drink and comfort food, but feel 

fantastic – so healthy now. It hasn’t been easy to 

do. But I’m certainly not going back down the 

old road. My advice: start today. Not tomorrow. 

Stick with it. We can all do this.’ 

James Goodman, 53, Worcester 

‘Lost five stone and feel 

so much better’ 

‘The past two years had been dire: I was 

struggling with pain from osteoarthritis 

in my knees and a trapped nerve in my 

shoulder coupled with lockdown gloom. 

‘This year’s #walk1000miles challenge 

came at the right time. I picked up my 

resolve and decided to walk every day. 

By the end of January I was feeling a bit 

better; I upped the walking and started a 

whole food diet. The weight came off, my 

fitness improved and by May I was back in 

the hills. Now my knees feel great and I am 

feeling so much better, physically, mentally 

and spiritually. Thanks Country Walking!’ 

Carol Dent, 66, Lancashire 


BEFORE 

Do it for weight loss 

‘Amazing how 

much better’ 

‘I’m so much fitter and a stone 

and a half lighter. I didn’t 

consider myself to be out of 

shape before but it’s amazing 

how much better I feel. Every 

little really does help. Don’t be 

scared of the number. Just 

start and keep going. You’ll 

get there.’ 

Richard Stott, 47, Bradford 

‘Thrilled with the achievement’ 

‘I was unfit and wanted to 

change when I discovered 

#walk1000miles in January 

2021. To not overwhelm 

myself I decided on taking 

our dog for an hour’s walk 

every day and see how I 

got on from there. 

‘It went great! I started 

off at 16st and I’m now 

13st 3lbs and am thrilled 

that I’m now overweight 

instead of obese! My 

parents both struggled 

with their weight and 

became type 2 diabetic, 

and I could see myself 

AFTER 

going down the same path. 

I’m thrilled that I have 

achieved such a good 

weight loss while still 

eating lots but, more 

importantly, I feel healthier 

and don’t get out of breath 

going up the several hills 

that surround us. 

‘Plus I’ve taken lots of 

photos on my walks and 

printed them out in a 

photobook. It’s so nice to 

remember where you’ve 

been and with whom.’ 

Lindsay Fieldhouse, 46, 

Hope Valley 

‘#walk1000 

miles has 

inspired me 

beyond 

words’ 



miles 


‘In January 2020, I was 

27½ stone and couldn’t 

walk more than a few 

feet when I was rushed 

to hospital. My lung 

had collapsed, I had 

pneumonia and high 

levels of ammonia in 

my blood. I was on 

a ventilator and they 

found a mass on my 

kidney. For a fighting 

chance of survival 

I needed to change 

my life. I read about 

#walk1000miles in 

Country Walking, 

inspired by the stories. 

‘I’ve since lost 10 

stone and my mental 

health has never been 

better. I know life will 

have challenges, but 

I feel better prepared. 

#walk1000miles has 

inspired me beyond 

words. I’d advise anyone 

in a similar situation to 

go for it. Take small steps 

and you’ll be amazed at 

your progress.’ 

Dave Playle, 63, Hants 


Upgrade to 

Walk1000miles+ 

Turn free time into pleasure and purpose – and make 

your 2022 1000-mile challenge even more 

rewarding with our great new package. 

VISUALISE YOUR PROGRESS • EARN A COMPLETER MEDAL • MARK MILESTONES • JUST £12.99 

his year we’ve teamed up with 

My Virtual Mission to let you 

Tplot your journey to 1000 miles 

on a virtual trek from Land’s End to 

John o’Groats. You’ll get encouraging 

messages from the editor at 20 key 

milestones, and our most beautiful 

medal yet sent to you when you’ve 

reached your moment of triumph! 

The new 2022 medal – featuring a 

3D relief map of Britain – is our most 

sophisticated yet, and we think you’ll 

find it great fun getting feedback as 

you reach your milestones. 

The whole package costs just £12.99 

(the same price as the medal alone) 

and you can sign up today. It’s always 

the perfect time to start because the 

challenge gives you 12 months from 

the day you begin, and you’ll find the 

community of tens of thousands of 

participants hugely supportive. 

‘I love Walk1000miles+’ 

‘I’ve linked it to my Strava 

account which means it’ll 

automatically record my boots 

on miles without any hassle, 

and I get a medal at the end. 

What’s not to love?’ Kathryn Tarr 

Sign up at www.walk1000miles.co.uk/signup



miles 


Do it for 

FUN 

www.walk1000miles.co.uk/fun 

You might endure other forms of exercise, but you’ll 

enjoy every step of this one. In fact, we insist... 

98% say it’s a 

BETTER New 

Year’s resolution 

THAN JOINING 

THE GYM 

82% say they 

SURPRISED 

THEMSELVES 

in the course 

of doing 


52% say 

they MADE 

FRIENDS 

through doing 

the challenge


Personalise your goals 

Add challenges within the challenge 

Because all your miles 

count! Tony Easter felt so 

turbocharged by his threestone 

weight loss in 2020, this 

year he did 100km of his 1000 

miles in one epic all day, all 

night walk in the South Downs. 

Julie Linge-Smith decided to 

raise money for the RNLI by 

walking 100 miles in two 

weeks in May – resulting in 

over £600 in the tin! 

Walk every 

street 

Can you really say you 

know your hometown until 

you walk every street? 

Compete with a friend 

#walk1000miles is a personal challenge, 

but a little rivalry can be a great motivator! 

Just be careful which rival you pick: Hil 

Bulfied says: ‘It was a competition between 

my husband and myself. But however hard 

I tried, he would always do more miles 

than me! He finished it in 4 months!’ 

• Head to walk1000miles.co.uk/charts for 

couple, family and group charts! 

Keep a journal 

Never forget this year! 

Scrapbook, doodle and 

diarise your walks for a 

record of the seasons 

changing and your big 

adventure. ‘Really enjoyed 

doing mine,’ says Gill 

Golfin of hers. 

Go one better 

Done it before? Aim to 

top your mileage by 

10%. That’s what nurse 

Elaine Stewart did: 

‘I wanted to beat last 

year’s 1254 miles and 

despite recovering from 

total hip replacement 

surgery and suffering 

with anxiety I’ve 

managed so far to 

date 1510 miles!’ 

Raise money 

Double the good your 

walking is doing by 

using it to generate £s 

for a good cause. Your 

friends and colleagues 

will be more than happy 

to sponsor such an epicsounding 

feat at a few 

pence a mile! 

• Head to 

walk1000miles. 

co.uk/ 

sponsorship for 

a printable 

fundraising form! 

Reward 

yourself 

Your Progress Chart 

has room for a planned 

reward every 100 miles 

– make sure you use it! 

Positive reinforcement 

is a powerful thing, and 

yes you DO deserve it. 

Although filling in the 

chart itself is reward 

enough for Julie Swales: 

‘My mileage chart is 

stuck on my fridge and 

I love filling it in week 

by week – I celebrate by 

doing a little jig.’ 


Start a ticklist 

Use your 1000 mile quest as 

a booster for an even bigger 

ambition – like starting to walk 

all the Wainwrights (Lake 

District hills) or collecting all 

the geocaches in your area. 

Jaimee Reynolds has been 

collecting trig points – only 

6000 or so to go at! 

Do it for fun 



miles 


Go car-free 

Can you aim to be carfree 

for two, four or more 

days a week? Good for 

planet, wallet and you. 

Says Clare Lindfield 

from Southampton: 

‘One step at a time is all 

you need to take. And 

this is from someone 

who used to take the 

car to the corner shop! 

You can do it. It’s 

improved life so much.’ 

Save money 

Set aside 20p, 50p or £1 

for every mile you walk 

– it adds up to a reward 

you might never 

otherwise give yourself, 

and one you really 

deserve! Pat Toulson did 

and says: ‘This is was 

1000 mile looks like in 

pounds!’ What a happy 

spree that will be! 

Go ‘boots on’ 

If you’ve counted every 

step before, try 

counting only ‘boots 

on’ miles – planned 

walks rather than 

everyday pottering for 

a sterner challenge. 

Become a litter 

legend 

Pick a bit of litter on every 

path you walk for a radiant 

glow of goodness! Ian Roberts 

went several times better, 

challenging himself to fill 1000 

bags with rubbish during his 

year of walking. Wow! 

Complete a 

virtual journey 

Sign up for 

#walk1000miles+ 

and you can plot your 

progress on a virtual 

route from Land’s End 

to John o’Groats, or 

pick your own virtual 

epic to work towards. 

Kim Dominguez is 

taking two years to 

walk the length of 

Canada. 

Do a long-distance 

path in legs 

Tackle one of our National 

Trails or a local waymarked 

route in manageable 1, 2 or 

3-day chunks and end the year 

saying you walked 1000 miles 

AND (eg) the Pennine Way. 



Join the 

badger cult 

The badger has been the 

#walk1000miles mascot 

since we first started 

selling our distinctive 

day-glo badges – and 

wearers started calling 

themselves ‘badge-rs’. 

From personal mascots 

like Susan Miller’s welltravelled 

Milo to Susan 

Rogers’ epic postbox 

topper, it’s become quite 

the thing! 

Take part in 

our #minichallenges 

Every month in Country Walking 

(home of #walk1000miles) we 

issue five new mini-challenges 

and you can take on as many 

as you like during your walks 

that month. Some are dares, 

some projects, some things 

to find, some grown up, 

some really not – each gives 

you chance to win one of 

our money-can’t-buy 

Golden Badges, giving you 

Make friends 

Making friends comes 

easily when you know 

you have the challenge in 

common. It’s a constant 

joy to discover how 

friendly folk are – from the 

appreciative, supportive 

comments they put on your 

Facebook posts to how 

happy they are to welcome 

you along on a walk on 

their patch or your first 

meetup. Says Vincent 

entry to an exclusive club 

(only 20 are won each month). 

You can find out what the 

#minichallenges are, and – 

crucially – claim your badge, 

with your copy of Country 

Walking (because the idea is to 

say thanks to our subscribers!). 

Stephen from Sussex: 

‘I’ve always been a lone 

walker, but now I’ve joined 

groups and challenges and 

made walking friends. I get 

such a feeling of wellbeing 

being connected to other 

walkers and hikers now.’ 

Do it with the kids 

According to research at Kobe 

University in Japan, physical 

activity under the age of 12 

boosts cognitive function 

(their ability to reason, solve 

problems, learn, recall, make 

decisions) through the whole 

of the rest of their lives. And 

besides, the connection you’ll 

feel and the achievement 

you’ll share? It’s priceless. 

‘Super proud of this little 

lady. She’s just turned eight 

and completed her 1000 

miles,’ says Lulu Loz. ‘Have 

loved doing this with her. 

Hope it has shown her life has 

different seasons, and they 

come and go; that some paths 

are an uphill struggle but with 

grit and determination you 

can do it.’ 


Meet up 

PLANNED: In normal 

times, meet-ups are 

organised on the Events 

tab in the challenge 

Facebook group. 

They can be long in 

the planning or quite 

spontaneous, have a 

couple of attendees, 

a dozen or more, and 

you’re free to join or 

create one. More info at 

www.walk1000miles. 

co.uk/meetups 

Says Wayne Turner: 

‘I’ve made marvellous 

friends this way. 

Walking along in nice 

surroundings doing 

something I enjoy whilst 

chatting is easier than 

forced conversation in a 

café, pub or wherever.’ 

UNPLANNED 

Wearing your 

#walk1000miles badge 

marks you out to other 

challengers – you’re 

always glad to meet 

one, because you 

already have so much 

in common! It can 

happen in the high 

street or the highlands. 

Don’t forget to get 

a photo! 

Do it for fun 

Friendship and fun 

‘What other group brings people together 

from all over the country and overseas, where 

you make friends, maybe not see them for 

months or year or more but when you meet 

them again it seems like only yesterday since you 

were with them last.’ Colin Turner, 60, Wirral 

‘I’ve made 

some fantastic 

new walking 

friends since 

joining the challenge. 

I try to attend as many 

of the local meet ups as 

I can and they certainly 

brighten up my walks 

– such great fun and 

caring people.’ 

Sarah Harris, 49, Radstock 

‘I’d forgotten 

how much 

I love the 

great outdoors!’ 

Bill McMillan, 51, Hampshire 

‘#walk1000miles 

has helped 

transform my 

life from sitting 

on the sofa to enjoying 

so much more.’ 

Howard Widdison, 49, 

Eastbourne 

‘The best thing 

last year was 

going to a 

badger meet for 

the first time. It allowed 

me to connect with 

more people than 

I usually would, I tend 

to be very solitary.’ 

Ciona Copeland, 55, Skye 

‘The #walk1000miles community’s an amazing 

bunch of blooming lovely open supportive 

people. Ups, downs, it doesn’t matter, there’s 

always a chat, a new walk and a bit of cake, or 

drink, to be enjoyed together.’ Joanne Broasley, Kent 



‘I’ve met 

people in the 


community that 

have become my friends 

and shared my life.’ 

Sarah Cohen, 72, Pershore 

‘Being part of 

a supportive, 

enthusiastic, 

nature-loving 

and similarly nutty group 

of fellow walkers gives 

quality to my life.’ 

Anna Bosatta, 56, Hertz 

miles 




What gear 

do I need? 

You can start #walk1000miles right now, 

in the clothes you’re wearing – but upgrade 

to some specialised kit and feel your 

comfort and capability soar. 

mile is a mile whether 

it’s round the block or 

A through the wilderness 

– and lack of specialised gear 

should never be a reason not 

to start the challenge. 

But as you get further into 

your miles you’ll begin to 

discover the myriad conditions 

and opportunities for fun and 

exploration the world on foot 

can throw at you. And it’s then 

you’ll really appreciate what 

a difference kit built for just 

such an adventure can make. 

Purpose-built gear can take 

you to the most amazing 

places in comfort and 

confidence for years, bringing 

back rucksacks-ful of the 

best memories. And with 

#walk1000miles you’ve got 

some absolutely brilliant 

partners who know exactly 

how to help you wring the 

most from an incredible year. 

Great footwear 

Get off the tarmac and 

trainers might as well be 

fishskins for the stability 

and comfort they give you. 

A pair of walking shoes 

provides you with real grip, 

foot-cradling support 

and will likely be 

waterproof 

– 

three qualities that soar 

to undreamt-of levels of 

importance off-road. 

Scarpa’s Mojito Trail GTX 

Mid (£165) are a great 

example. As your ambition 

grows, you’ll appreciate the 

stability of a stiffer boot, 

making you equal to the 

sternest terrain. They’re a 

real investment, but they’ll 

be trustworthy partners 

in the hills, and your 

pride and joy. The Rush 

TRK GTX (£185) is a 

great example. 

www.scarpa.co.uk 


All the gear 

Supercomfy 

socks 



miles 


How your feet feel 

is the most critical 

consideration for 

putting on the 

miles niggle-free. 

Specialised walking 

socks feel 

unbelievably 

comfy and 

thanks to 

careful tailoring, cushioning, 

construction and wicking 

materials they do it all day 

long, day after day. Slip into 

a cutting-edge pair like the 

Bridgedale Midweight Merino 

Comfort Boot (£19.50) and 

you’ll guard them jealously 

forever. Or if you want to 

transform a leaky pair of shoes 

or boots, try the Stormsock 

Lightweight Boot (£35) – 

a comfy, durable, totally 

waterproof slice of 

the future. 

A memory-catcher 

Your memories of this year will be 

your richest prize. A phone can 

capture snapshots but often 

they fail to reflect beauty as you 

remember it. Step forward the 

vastly bigger sensor and lens 

of a proper camera. You’ll see 

some amazing things this year 

– a portfolio of beautiful images 

as proof will be a wonderful 

keepsake to take away to accompany the 

sense of pride. Fujifilm’s tough, waterproof 

XP140 (£179) is up for any adventure, while the 

XT200 (£599) packs big-camera power and what-yousee-is-what-you-get 

creativity options into a small, sleek 

package that is up to capturing your epic year in the way 

it deserves. www.fujifilm.eu/uk 



Waterproofing 

The reason Britain’s so green and lovely is because of its 

weather – and if you’re going to walk 1000 miles you’re 

going to walk through lots of it. But for that reason there’s 

a phrase you’ll need to learn: ‘There’s no such thing as bad 

weather, just inappropriate clothing’. A waterproof jacket 

is obviously a must, then key accessories protect areas 

easier to overlook but with just as much potential to spoil 

your day. Things like Trekmates’ Reversible Rucksack 

Cover bags (£9), waterproof gloves (like the Codale Dry 

Glove; £25) and gaiters (like the 

Cairngorm Gtx; 

£35) make 

a huge 

difference. 

www. 

trekmates. 

co.uk 

A sense of direction 

The UK has the best footpath network in the 

world – there are dozens and dozens near you 

now! – and our partners at Ordnance Survey 

make discovering them easy. Use the OS Maps 

app to track your walks, discover routes and 

never get lost (and a subscription to Country 

Walking gets you 50% off Premium access). 

Plus a fun local project is to buy an OS Custom 

Map centred on your house and walk every path 

on it this year. 

• explore.osmaps.com 

• www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop 

That thing 

you love 

It can be a real boost to 

have a piece of kit you 

bought just for this 

challenge – symbolising 

the new outdoorsier 

you! It’s important to 

positively-reinforce your 

walking by treating 

yourself as you reach 

milestones. You can find 

geary treats to suit all 

needs and budgets at 

Sportsshoes.com, our 

retail fantastic partner. 

Check out the huge 

range, fantastic prices 

and awesome customer 

service at: www. 

sportsshoes. 

com/outdoors 

(and you get 

an 15% off 

once 

you’ve 

signed up 

to #walk 

1000miles.) 


A versatile 

rucksack 

It might as well be Superman’s 

cape for how pulling on a 

favourite rucksack makes 

you feel. And what makes 

a favourite is being utterly 

comfortable, not overheating 

your back, and having all the 

features you need and no 

gimmicks you don’t. A pack 

like Deuter’s AC Lite 30 (£100, 

below) leaves you maximally 

equipped while minimally 

encumbered, while a more 

substantial size like the Futura 

Pro 36 (£145, top) adds 

suspended back, more 

pockets and access, built-in 

rain cover and weight-bearing 

hip-strap for bigger days. 

www.deutergb.co.uk 

All the gear 

A sense of belonging 

Remind yourself of your mission, and show what team 

you’re on with a piece of #walk1000miles gear. 

Guaranteed to surround you with that 

ReadyBrek glow of invincibility! 

Badges 

Show the incredible journey you’re on 

with our 2022 participation badge. Done 

the challenge before? Show how many 

times with our new ‘Walk 1000s of miles’ badge. 

Standard badges cost £2.20; metal badges £3.99. 


Contour neck warmer 

Our versatile, stretchy, seamless microfibre 

neck tube keeps you warm in the cold and 

cool in the warm, and sports a sleek new 

design that tells a story. Showing the contours 

of the Cleveland Hills in the North York Moors, 

it pinpoints a spot of special meaning for 

1000-milers: Badger Stone. £9.99. 


Completer Medal 

Sign up to #walk1000miles+ for £12.99 and 

you can see your progress build on a virtual 

walk from Land’s End to John o’Groats and 

get your 1000-mile Completer Medal when 

you hit the 1000. It’s our most colourful and 

special ever – and there are more medals 

from 500-2000 miles to buy in the shop! 

Sign up via www.walk1000miles.co.uk 



miles 


Calendar 

Our calendar has space 

to record your miles, dates 

of special significance to 

walkers, sunrise and sunset 

times, monthly minichallenges 

and routes to 

let you walk into every 

picture. £7.99.

Walk 1000 Miles 2022 supplement

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