Small steps: Walks for wellbeing

Spending time outdoors, getting moving and sharing a simple conversation can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.

 Across Powys, local community walks are helping people boost their mood, reduce anxiety and feel less alone by combining gentle exercise, fresh air and social connection.

 

These welcoming, inclusive walks offer a safe space to talk - or simply walk alongside others - showing how small steps can make a big difference to mental health.

If you are looking to get out for walks in your local area and don't know where to start, then search up a group to join in with for inclusive, accessible ideas. 

You may find the following pages helpful: 

https://www.powysgreenguide.cymru/site/Walking-in-Powys

https://mnpmind.org.uk/walk-talk-groups/

https://letsgopowys.co.uk/

https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/5k-your-way/

 

Here’s three examples currently happening in the north of the county.

 

Sophie Castree’s Walk for Wellness starts at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown every Monday at 7pm. 

 

Sophie experienced health anxiety in December 2024 which culminated in debilitating panic attacks.

 

“It got so bad that at one point I couldn’t get out of bed,” Sophie says.

 

“I was prescribed medication and slowly began to feel more like myself, but what helped was mum and dad encouraging me to get out of the house.

 

“Going for a walk became my everyday ritual. It saved me.

 

“I know what a difference it made me for me, so if I could help just one other person in the same way, it would be amazing. I’m happy to meet people on their own first if that would make them feel more comfortable.”

In Caersws, St John’s Hut is the starting point for the weekly ‘walk & talk’ – on Mondays at 7pm - run by local man Karl Wigley. He also hosts a walk in Llanidloes on Wednesdays at the same time.

 

“They’re genuinely uplifting,” says Karl. “We keep it positive and everyone is supporting each other.

 

“I realise the idea of turning up for a walk with a load of strangers can be daunting, so I will come out and meet people one-on-one beforehand.

 

Karl was inspired to start the walks after experiencing his own mental health struggles. He was supported by the Newtown-based wellbeing charity, Ponthafren, and has since become an ambassador for the organisation. 

 

“I’ve gone from needing their service to working alongside them,” Karl says.

 

“It’s a testament to what they do because without Ponthafren, I don’t know where I’d be. Their help has quite literally been life-changing.”

Meanwhile in Newtown, Walking Men of Mid Wales founder Andrew Coppin hosts a weekly walk starting at 7pm at Back Lane car park.

 

“Expect a warm embrace from myself and the other guys who attend,” says Andrew. “We’re just gents of various ages, from all walks of life. We’ll chat over the course of a simple stroll.

 

“It gives people hope and positivity, and makes them realise there’s a whole network of support out there.”