Let’s bust some myths about booking onto a Walking Retreat!
Our guests have told us that their biggest fears to booking on an a wellbeing walks walking retreat are as follows:
I’m worried about coming on your own?
It’s perfectly natural to feel a bit unsure about coming solo, but please know you won’t be alone in that. The majority of our guests join individually on our public events and quickly find themselves part of the friendly group and they thoroughly enjoy it! Our Wellbeing Walks team will welcome you as soon as you arrive, show you round the accommodation and let you settle in. We always tell you to treat it like home, help yourself to hot and cold drinks from our tea and coffee station.
We will have a nice informal chat at dinner and we will tell you about the plans for the weekend and everyone gets to know each other. We will normally have a maximum of 16-20 guests on an event, which will make it really easy to get to know everyone. Guests that book are on these events are generally like minded and lovely people who forge good friendships over the weekend and often see each other again.
I’m worried that I might be too slow on the walking retreat!
The walk will be at a comfortable, conversational pace. We won’t be rushing, and we’ll take breaks as needed to ensure everyone can re-group and enjoy the scenery. We are experienced in managing groups with varying paces. We’ll ensure no one is left behind and will adjust the speed to suit the group’s overall ability. It’s not a race! The goal is to enjoy the outdoors together and get back safety.
Please don’t feel pressured to keep up with the fastest walkers. We encourage everyone to walk at their own comfortable rhythm, and the leaders will ensure the group stays together. We always have one leader at the back of the group to ensure everyone is accounted for and supported. If at any point you want to turn back than a leader will take you back so don’t let this fear put you off trying.
I’m worried about staying in a shared room with bunk beds!
It’s completely understandable to feel a bit uneasy about staying in a shared room, especially if it’s a new experience for you. In fact, this is most guests’ biggest fear of coming! We put men in one room and women in another ( where we can) so they are single sex rooms and if you have come with a friend, or a group of friends we will put you together.
Our walking retreats are often in National Trust Bunkhouses, which are of a very high standard. They are clean and the beds are full size and comfortable. You can make a cosy space to relax in, and we suggest you bring comfort items like a pillow and a duvet; a sleep mask can make the space feel more like home. If you are on the bottom bunk, then you can hang a blanket up to close the space off and, on the top, you have your own little nest.
Earplugs are really useful, and I would recommend bringing some of these or earphones if you like to listen to music. Bring a torch as then you can move about in the dark without waking anyone else up.
We do talk to everyone on arrival about being considerate of their room mates and keeping noise to a very minimum in the morning and evening. Most of our guests actually sleep really well after the walk.
The reason we choose bunkhouses often for our retreats is because they are located in such a beautiful spots, right in the middle of the nature and they are much more cost effective than staying in a single room. Our bespoke walking retreats are built around customer requirements and can include luxury Spa’s and Hotels.
I’m a picky eater – what it I don’t like the food?
Well, we send out a form before the event with at least 4 choices of main meal and more for breakfast so you can choose what you want. We ask about allergies and whether or not you are vegetarian or vegan. There is space on the form to add comments, where you can make special requests. We will always make sure you are well fed and our certified cooks or private chefs are great at making wholesome and healthy food and there are always plenty of sides to help yourself to and fruit bowls and snacks.
What even is mindfulness in nature?
Mindfulness in nature involves intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment while immersed in the natural environment. Instead of just walking to reach a destination, it’s about engaging all your senses with the surroundings: noticing the textures of the path, the sounds of birdsong and wind, the smells of damp earth and wildflowers, and the visual details of the rolling hills, dry stone walls, and expansive skies. It encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to truly appreciate the details often missed during a brisk walk.
Have a look too at our Forest Bathing blog: https://wellbeingwalk.co.uk/forest-bathing-whats-all-this-about/
Or find our more here: https://www.mindful.org/what-happens-when-we-reconnect-with-nature/
At Wellbeing Walks we can bring along a trained Nature Connection Facilitator to help you and your group learn more about these mindful practices and weather permitting we can try nature based meditation.
I don’t have all the kit on the kit list!
This doesn’t matter! Some of the kit list is essential and some is a nice to have. There are some things that are really important, like comfortable walking shoes/boots and waterproofs and layers. If you are worried then get in touch as we have spares and we can talk you through the essentials.
Why Choose to come on an Event with Wellbeing Walks ?
Our company vision is to rejuvenate the UK’s workforce and general public through exercise, nature and mindfulness to enable increased engagement, productivity and fun. We have some great trusted partners who have similar passions, all specialists in wellbeing and a team of very experienced Walk Leaders who all bring their own flare to each event.
Our company values are to be:
Customer centric: Providing exceptional customer service and build long-lasting relationships with customers.
Passionate about nature and the environment: Giving back through volunteering, planting trees, eco friendly accommodation and sustainable partnerships.
Promoting social connection through shared experience: Helping teams build meaningful relationships and forge a sense of belonging.
Mindfulness: Cultivating present moment awareness, promoting physical activity and relaxation to reduce stress.
Safety: Keeping our guests safe on events and ensuring our partners are qualified and professional.
By embodying these values, we position ourselves as a leader in providing transformative and enriching away day experiences that promote wellness, connection, and sustainability.
Check out some of our example events here:
Hiking, Yoga and Sound Baths in the Peak District – Wellbeing Walks – Out the office into nature
Walking and Wild Swimming in the Lake District – Wellbeing Walks – Out the office into nature
Thanks for reading
The Wellbeing Walks Team
