INSPIRATIONAL STORIES BY EVERYDAY PEOPLE
I had just retired and was looking for a fun opportunity to commit to that would improve my health and wellbeing and to make a new circle of friends. Over the last year I have achieved all of these objectives through signing up for the Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series with Gillian’s Walks! I feel good about myself, I’m fitter and more energised and over time I have gently built up my stamina. I’ve made lovely friends who are always pleased to see me and catch up and we’ve had fun times together – there is always plenty laughter on the walks.
Has it been value for money? Definitely! I see it as an investment in my health and wellbeing, and it’s comparable with what I was spending on a gym membership each month or my pilates classes. I hated the gym, it felt like hard work, it caused pain in my knee, and I just knew I prefered to be outdoors in the fresh air! Pilates was gentler and I just felt like a baby elephant trying to do some of the moves, so it wasn’t giving me satisfaction, and I felt judged. However, with walking, I have found something that I can finally do, I feel part of a team again and it has given me an appetite to do more.
The money pays for an experienced walk leader who takes care of every detail of the walk including all the logistics of where to start and finish so we don’t need to think about this. I feel safe walking in a group and knowing I won’t get lost. Gillian just makes everything easy and achievable and gave me confidence to know I could go back and do the walk again by myself if I wanted to.
The walk itself is a wonderful experience where I was immersed in nature the whole time. The fresh air and gentle walking pace along with stunning views left me feeling uplifted. Throughout the walk there are many short breaks to hear about local history or information about wildlife or wildflowers so it’s a great learning experience as well.
It’s hard to choose my favourite experience on the walk as I truly enjoyed each of the twelve stages. They have all been different and it’s been interesting to explore the areas I thought I knew well – but it seems there is always something new to learn – and also explore new areas of the Ayrshire coastline. However, if I have to choose it would be the section between Maidens and Dunure as I love this landscape so much. We had a Path Warden with us, and it was interesting to hear about the history of this area. We rounded off the walk with a visit to the Harbourside Cafe in Dunure and enjoyed wonderful coffee and homemade cakes. What more could you wish for!
Gillian is very friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging and works hard to provide an amazing experience on her walks, and she achieves this each month personally adding value with her sunny personality and calm disposition.
Completing the Ayrshire Coastal Path has been one of the best experiences I have had, and I would recommend it to anyone to do it – you will not be disappointed!
Want to experience the same transformation? Try the Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series for yourself – brand new series starts 8th June 2025!
