Book reveals how a walking group transformed lives

Agroup of walkers have penned a book about how their love of the outdoors blossomed into a lifeline lockdown support network.

The Tayberries Nordic walking group was formed in 2013 and the female members, spanning Tayside and Fife, quickly became firm friends and even took international trips together.

Although the 20-strong troupe had to abandon group adventures in March, they reverted to online meetings and continued to support each other through difficult times.

Now the Tayberries have published a book outlining how members’ lives have been touched since joining the group, from helping each other through bereavements to keeping spirits up during lockdown cancer treatments.

Women Afoot outlines members’ favourite walks, from local trails to far-flung travels. The final chapter explains how the group adapted during lockdown and diverted their energy to making masks for frontline health staff.

Sandra Nutley, a Tay berries member who pulled together contributions for the book, joined two years ago as a way to rebuild her confidence after an osteoporosis diagnosis.

She heard of Nordic walking, which uses poles to propel and provide support, through a neighbour and agreed to join a walk.

The 67-year-old academic from near Newport-on-Tay said: “The first walk I joined, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it is an amazing group to be part of.

“Some members have gone through bereavements and now live alone so it’s so nice to have that support network.

“I struggled with my diagnosis because I didn’t want to believe that label was me. I became very hesitant on my feet and the idea of using poles for stability was reassuring.

“It was daunting but the nice thing about the group is it’s not a competition. You walk at your own pace and enjoy the outdoors without trying to keep up.”

The idea for the book came from Tay berries member Vivian Blok, who was inspired by reading about a similar group.

Treatment for ovarian cancer meant the 64-yearold Canadian, who now lives in Invergowrie, spent the first months of lockdown shielding.

The James Hut ton Institute employee said although she missed the walks, the group’s online meetings were a tonic.

“I don’t think we’re a particularly extraordinary group of people, we just try to make it work,” Vivian said.

“With Covid-19, it could easily have all crumbled but we have kept in touch and kept each other going, it’s a wonderful thing.”

Women A foot also reveals tales of members’ earliest memories of walking and how they have been inspired by the outdoors.

Paper copies of Women Afoot are available at the Bookhouse in Broughty Ferry or can be ordered by emailing womenafoot@ gmail.com for £10 each, with all profits going to charity. A free online version is also available by emailing the group.

STEP-BY-STEP: Tayberries members have told how the group has become a lifeline support network in Women Afoot.