In this blog post, we chatted to Orla Hennessy, founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol, a community offering young women the opportunity to get together for a walk and talk twice a month, as well as providing a space to meet new connections and explore the city together. They walk for around an hour, and have a thirty minute break to visit a local cafe, to support the local area.
How are you involved in Bristol Walk Fest this year?
The Bristol Walk Fest team have kindly invited me to be a guest speaker at their launch event, so I’m honoured to talk about the benefits of walking especially from the view of young women. The event takes place on 1st May to kick off the month ahead and tickets are available now.
Find out more about the launch event and secure your tickets, here.
Where is your favourite place to walk?
My favourite place to walk is Arnos Vale Cemetery in Brislington.
What do you like about it?
It’s very peaceful to walk around, and lovely that, although it’s in the heart of a busy area, it feels a million miles away from that. I enjoy the history of the area and the lovely cafe too. It feels important to support a beautiful place in my local area. There are many different routes to take within the cemetery, and it almost feels as if I find something new each time I visit.
How long have you been walking there and how did you discover it?
I’ve been walking there since I was a child when my mum took me on a walk there!
Who do you like to walk with and why?
I enjoy walking with my family as it’s a lovely way to get out into our local area and spend some time together. Of course, I also like to walk with Girls Who Walk Bristol, as this is a great way to see the friendly faces who return to our walks, as well as meet new people who are coming along for a place to chat.
How do you feel when you’re out for a walk?
On a nice sunny day, a walk through nature or even just to the shops can be one of the best things. It makes me feel happy and very appreciative of the area I walk through. When I’ve walked somewhere rather than getting the bus or car I really value the time I’ve spent outside instead of being stuck in traffic.
What benefits have you experienced from walking?
I’ve mainly found that it has helped bring my mood up but also has helped physically too, especially after recovering from a twisted ankle, walking was a great way to literally get back on my feet!
I think that from leading Girls Who Walk Bristol, I’ve seen how girls on our walks have gone from being quiet and maybe a tad shy at meeting a group of new people, to having made new connections and laughing all together, and the benefit that being out in the fresh air has also provided. That makes me smile as I know that the group is doing what we aimed it to do.
Do you prefer a podcast, music or peace and quiet when walking?
I like listening to music: the best way to listen to a new album is to press play and go on a walk.
What are your walking top tips?
Get some good shoes, a trusty water bottle and take a snack. Make sure there’s a cafe or somewhere nice to sit on route too. It can be nice to take your time too, so set a good pace.
Are there any books or websites that inspire you?
I enjoy seeing the rise of walking groups on social media – especially fellow Girls Who Walk groups (there are multiple, all over the UK) and Women Who Walk.
What do you like about Bristol Walk Fest?
The festival provides lots of walks so shows me new routes in the city, as well as allowing me to find out more about other organisations that offer walks and activities.
My family have also discovered new routes and offerings for walks through Bristol Walk Fest, so I can imagine many other people have too! I think it’s important to showcase everything the city has to offer in terms of walking and a great way to make a month out of new walking routes.
Follow Girls Who Walk Bristol on Instagram: @girlswhowalkbristol