‘Who am I and what have you done to me?’

“I hated exercise and literally thought it was a waste of time. But I wanted to lose weight and a friend who knew I hated the gym introduced me to #walk1000miles. Stroll along for 2.74 miles a day and it’s sorted? I could do that.

The first few miles were long and arduous but eventually the walks became longer, and the weight came off – about 2.5 stone in total. But the major change was I saw things I’d never seen in my life, visited places near to where I live that I didn’t know existed, discovered a love of nature and rekindled a connection with my partner. We spent this time chatting and planning our future even to the point we’ve decided when we retire we’re going to sell up and buy a mobile caravan to live in whilst touring around exploring new walks wherever we land. Who am I and what have you done to me, Country Walking?

All my walks throw up happy memories and laughter. My best memory is waking up in our tent (yes… camping as well!), pulling on our boots and setting off to walk Nidderdale, not having to drive to the walk, just get up, pack your rucksack and go, coming back with aching legs, tired but content as we discussed that day’s walk in front of the fire pit after dinner... Perfect!

And the #walk1000miles community is just the best!” Shelagh Garside, York