On a beautifully sunny evening (a good omen for the start of Bristol Walk Fest 2025) we kicked off our month of walks and activities with two wonderful events.
More than 25 people gathered for our launch walk, during which Bristol Walking Alliance and Bristol Ramblers led a 45 minute stroll around the streets of central Bristol. Using a questionnaire adapted from the Healthy Streets Approach devised by Lucy Saunders, participants used a simple set of questions to assess the healthiness of the streets as they walked.
“It was a nice, peaceful walk. Finding out about the Healthy Streets initiative was a great way to slow down and take in the streets and sights around an area filled with mostly large office buildings. Finishing off by Temple Church reminded me of how much of a peaceful oasis that area is in the city.” – Janine Alexander, Visit Bristol
At Arup, the event venue, our walkers were joined by more guests, for the launch event itself. There was a lovely buzz of conversations sparked by the walk and excitement of the event to come, with people meeting for the first time and coming together to talk about walking and its benefits.
Karen Lloyd, Director of Bristol Walk Fest, welcomed everyone and introduced the evening’s theme of the benefits walking can have on mental health.
Claire Allen was the first speaker, with stories of her incredible 4,000 mile hike around the UK, taking just less than a year. Her honest telling of the highs and lows of her experience was riveting, and she shared her learning of how to look after yourself during an epic solo adventure, which could equally be applied to day to day life and supporting our own mental health by connecting with others.
Our next speaker, Orla Hennessy, told us how she discovered the joys of walking as a student, and how that experience led her to create Girls Who Walk Bristol, a group that brings women of any age together for a walk and talk twice a month. It’s a chance, especially for those new to Bristol, to explore the city together and has become a well-loved space, with those attending forging new friendships and connections.
“It was a great opportunity to share my walking story with a fabulous community and to meet others who are leading the way in raising awareness on mental health and walking. I felt honoured to have been given the chance to speak, and cannot wait to join a Bristol Walk Fest event.” – Orla Hennessey
Next up was Helen Cox. Having always loved football but discouraged from playing as a child, when Helen was recommended to try something physical to support her anxiety she joined Rebound with Rovers, a free mental health football group for those who want to bounce back and kick start their mental fitness, created by Bristol Rovers Community Trust. She is now the programme’s assistant coach, has recently become UEFA qualified, and is also coaching Southmead Ladies Reserves. Speaking from the heart, Helen’s talk about her experiences was honest, moving and inspiring.
Finally, we heard Taylor Moore: a professional football player since his late teens, and now a defender for Bristol Rovers first team. He described how the pressure of professional sports has affected his mental health, along with his experience of his mother’s own difficult mental health journey. He wanted to find a way to tackle these issues, especially for young men, and in the field of sport. With support from his club, Taylor has created 5k Your Way – an inspiring mental health initiative aiming to promote physical and mental well-being through encouraging participants to join in a 5k walk while engaging in open conversations about mental health. Taylor was open about his experiences and left us all feeling inspired.
“Bristol Walk Fest 2025 was well and truly launched in style in a warm, informative and inspiring evening. All in all a great way to set the scene for the whole of Bristol Walk Fest.” – Karen Lloyd
“Friendly, inclusive and varied. I really enjoyed being part of Bristol Walk Fest and would love to see it evolve and expand further.” – Event attendee
Thank Yous
With thanks and appreciation to all our speakers, walk leaders and everyone who attended.
A very big thank you to Shaun Hartley and the helpful team at Arup for hosting and allowing us to take over their foyer for pre-event teas & coffees, and the wonderful light-filled atrium for the formal part of the evening.
Thanks to Billy Golding for the technical support.
Thanks to Janine Alexander from Visit Bristol for the pre-launch walk photos, and Bristol Rovers Community Trust for photos of Helen and Taylor speaking in the Arup atrium.