Who, Where & Why...
Angela is one of our Volunteer Wellness Walk Leaders.
Angela is a fully qualified Lowland Leader & like all of the team she also has qualifications in First Aid for Mental Health, Outdoor First Aid and Safeguarding.
Angela is based in Yorkshire.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a Wellness Walk Leader
I want to inspire others to get out into nature and experience the beauty that is found in the natural world. My own experience of discovering hiking has improved my fitness and self-esteem. A feeling I want others to experience for themselves.
What was the most challenging part of gaining your qualifications?
I had experience as a hiker, and wanted to formalise my knowledge in order to inspire others. I was a little nervous meeting the other trainees, but soon made friends.
Which part of the qualification process did you enjoy the most & why?
The training days were great, but I really loved the first aid training as we knew each other better by then and it was fun.
What's been the personal inpact of becoming a Wellness Walk Leader?
I love planning new routes and seeing the group members enjoy the walks.
I feel like I have gained confidence in my leadership skills. The course has empowered me by giving me the skills to go to an area I have never been to before with a map and compass and know confidently that I am able to find a safe route around the area and return back where I started from.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your walks?
I loved the walk up Embsay Crag. A walk member was halfway up the Crag and became a tad anxious, saying she wasn’t sure she could get to the top. I advised her to have a short break then take it slow.
The next time I looked up she was practically at the top. The look on her face and sense of pride she had on completing the challenging incline was awesome. Such a proud moment! Many of our participants undervalue their abilities and to see them push themselves and achieve more than they thought they could is an awesome accomplishment and they should be very proud of themselves.
How has this role impacted your own mental health, confidence, or skills?
It has helped me to feel more confident in my navigation.
I’ve made new friends from the training and the walks, I feel a boost when I plan a walk and when we complete the walk. It’s a great thing to be a part of Wellness Walks.
Most participants have completed a kind words feedback on the Wellness Walks website and all have been very complimentary about the routes, my confidence, my personality and their experiences. They return regularly, and say how much they enjoy these walks.
It’s definitely a boost to my confidence as a hike leader.
Final Thoughts
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with Wellness Walks, what would it be?
Do it!
I’ve already referred 2 people to do the training, and I look forward to seeing their journey.
Where do you think your own journey with Wellness Walks will go?
More qualifications – currently doing Hill & Moorland Leader with Wellness Walks and would like to do the Mountain Leader eventually.
Since training with Wellness Walks, I have gone on to become a freelance hiking leader at Hike Yorkshire. It’s a dream come true!
I cannot thank Wellness Walks enough for giving me the encouragement and support for me to do this.
Thank you.
How would you describe your experience with Wellness Walks in three words?
Supportive. Informative. Fun.