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

‘I’ve met people in the #walk1000miles 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

‘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