Outdoors & Mental Health || AD

Did you know May is National Walking Month? I’ve been asked by Paths for All, Scotland’s national walking charity, to share why I enjoy going out for walks / rolls and how it helps my mental health.

I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, if weather allowed. When I was younger, I was always playing outside and using my imagination to make up games with family and friends. During the start of the pandemic getting out for a walk each day was one of the activities that kept me going however when I moved out into my own flat, I got myself into a bit of a rut and didn’t really leave my flat. That was also because I found the pavements too narrow for my wheelchair and dipped kerbs didn’t match up to each other at either side of the road.

However, when I got my puppy Sheldon in August 2021 I had to start going out for walks where I lived and managed to find different routes that I can manage enough in my wheelchair. Having my puppy Sheldon and taking him out for a walk has given me a sense of purpose and gets me up and out on days I struggle to and having him attached to my wheelchair makes me more connected to him.

We’re both having to watch out for each other to make sure we don’t get in each other’s way, he has to listen to me about what direction we are going in and with the help from my carers I have to make sure I stop so he gets to do the toilet.

Usually, Sheldon goes out with a dog walker during the week, but I took him down to Dundee Riverside walk recently to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. I enjoy coming down here as the pathways are nice and wide, the ground is very smooth, and the views are beautiful especially if you come on a sunny day. I wrote a review last year of this walk on Euan’s Guide which you can find here.

If you’re looking for ways to walk more or be more active, Paths for All can help. By visiting there website here you can find walks to suit your requirements, including but not limited to accessible walks, health walks and dementia friendly walks. Going out for a walk / roll is an fun, free and enjoyable experience that everyone can enjoy giving the right route. I’d love to know where you enjoy walking, tag me on social media (@ajourneyinmywheels) or comment below, Sheldon and I need more places to visit. Also, if you tag @PathsForAll and use the hashtags #ILoveWalking #NationalWalkingMonth you could be in with a chance of winning a £500 voucher to spend at Cotswold Outdoor.

You can see more of our walk in my YouTube channel down below as well as a few life updates that I share.