Walk further with friends

‘Walking alone is ideal if you feel in need of time for reflection,’ explains Streets. ‘But walking with friends can have huge benefits, too. If you’re taking on a challenging route, then walking with others can be extremely motivating; studies show that when you walk with a friend, distances seem less intimidating and heights don’t seem so high. This is because you’re chatting with people and thinking of other things, rather than focusing on a route’s difficulty level. You’re also motivated and encouraged by the presence of others. A recent study shows that if you are on your own and the walk suddenly appears to be getting the better of you, simply imagining a friend with you encourages you to push on. It’s also a fantastic bonding experience – conquering something with others brings you closer and gives you that shared sense of achievement.’