Group a stepping stone to healthy bodies and minds
A new community walking group is leading the way to healthy bodies and minds.
Founded by chairwoman Gail McKay, Mind Over Miles Campbeltown is open to everyone with the aim of completing many of the renowned walks throughout Campbeltown and Kintyre.
As well as walking, the group wants to get everyone talking - encouraging people to focus on mental and physical health. Its mantra is: ‘Healthy, active bodies and healthy, active minds’.
Gail said: ‘Being physically active and connecting with nature and other people are the ingredients of Mind Over Miles.
‘It has been proven all these things have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
Benefit
‘We know people benefit physically, emotionally and mentally once they start to walk regularly outdoors. Walking can improve mood and sleep quality and reduce stress and anxiety.’
Organisers say Mind Over Miles is a stepping stone to helping everyone improve their mental health through walking and tackling social isolation in the community.
The walks are for everyone - meaning males and females
are welcome to join them. ‘We only ask that if you are thinking about joining us on walks you do a bit of planning first,’ said Gail. ‘Make sure you have suitable footwear and clothes - boots or wellies and plenty layers. Waterproofs are essential.
‘We aim to do lots of different walks and some will be more strenuous than others.’
In January, 18 people walked to Killypole Loch above Machrihanish and a brief respite from this month’s storms allowed a four-mile walk from Peninver to Glen Lussa power station on Sunday.
Twenty-five people joined that walk with numbers increasing through word of mouth.
The best way to keep in touch with the group’s activities is through its Facebook group where walks will be promoted and the hope is once the weather improves there will be many more dates in the diary.
‘We will hopefully continue to achieve great walks and along the way make great friends,’ added Gail.