Orla features in exhibition on daily walks Remote working sparked mum’s habit
A Stirling woman has been featured in an online exhibition recognising people who champion the joy of everyday walking.
Orla Kelly (35) began walking daily when remote working was introduced at the start of the pandemic and now views it as a vital way to stay motivated whilst keeping mentally and physically healthy.
The mother of two has also been thinking of her family’s environmental impact, with reducing car usage for short journeys being one of the main adjustments.
Orla Kelly’s portrait and walking story is part of Scotland’s Walking Charity, Paths for All’s “Humans of the Walk” online exhibition, launched as COP26 is underway in Glasgow.
The online initiative champions everyday walking and hopes to showcase the immense impact it can have on our health, wellbeing and the environment.
Orla wants to be more environmentally responsible, with her love for walking and the outdoors only reinforcing the choice of a more sustainable lifestyle.
She said: “When I worked in the office, I’d choose to get the train which takes around 45 minutes longer than driving to reduce my environmental impact. My husband usually walks or cycles to work too, and as a family, we always try to avoid taking the car whenever we can.”
Since working from home, Orla has found it completely essential to her career that she takes walking breaks during work.
She added: “It’s not healthy to sit staring at a screen all day, stuck to a desk. In a normal office environment, we’d socialise whilst working and it’s not quite the same when you’re sitting at home on your own. That’s why I now prioritise getting my daily walk in – I feel much more productive afterwards.
“Walking gives me time for just me and my thoughts. If I didn’t walk daily, I’d really miss it. It would badly impact my mental health and ability to handle challenges at home and at work.”
Originally from Northern Ireland, Orla moved to Stirling seven years ago and began volunteering with a local walking group ‘Walk Forth Bumps and Babies’ operated by Paths for All.
She added: “Paths for All is such a vital resource for the community, I started volunteering around six years ago and continue to do so as and when it is possible. It’s a great opportunity for people to get out of the house and fall in love with their local area.”
Images captured by the talented photographer Rebecca Holmes and her team, bring to life individual stories of overcoming challenges, connecting to our natural world and feeling our best.
Nine individual stories have been captured in locations all across Scotland from different ages and abilities.
Reducing car travel for short journeys is an important step that Scotland must take to tackle the climate emergency, as car journeys are responsible for 39 per cent of transport emissions.
The charity is determined to promote walking and wheeling as the default choices for short journeys or as part of longer public transport journey to make a happier, healthier and greener Scotland.
To find out more about Path’s for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/