We’d love to hear from you!
If you’d like to share your experience of being part of Sowerby Walkers & Ramblers, we’d be delighted to feature your story on this page.
Tell us why you joined, what you enjoy most about the group, and what you’ve gained from walking with us.
Just send it to us by email or by using the form below (name and email are optional as you’re welcome to remain anonymous if you prefer.)
Tony – Walk Leader
I’m 62 and I gave up working in December 2023 due to needing back surgery.
I live in Queensbury and used to do bits of walking with the kids when they were younger.
Walking though became a necessity while waiting for my surgery and for blocking out the pain and clearing the mind especially with the high dose of Gabapentin which I was taking to manage the back pain.
I had surgery in Jan 2025 and slowly increased the walking and fitness to a point where I considered trecking Kilimanjaro, something I’d wanted to do since seeing it in the distance 35 years ago while on honeymoon in Kenya.
I achieved this ambition in September 2025 and it is safe to say that I would not have achieved this challenge had it not been for Sowerby Walkers and Ramblers especially from the support of other walkers like Evette, Lorna and Sarah, who pushed me to the limits and encouraged me to get it done.
My next adventure is to Everest Base camp in the summer with one of the other walk leaders.
I joined SW&R in August 2024 doing short walks and slowly increasing the distances and speed. I was then asked to join the “Speedies” group, planned some walks for the Speedies group and then asked if I’d like to become a SW&R walk leader which was great as I could then venture a little further afield to some of my favourite places and take people with me.
I have organised walks to places like Yordas Cave, a nice circular route of 7 miles near Ingleton, Gaping Gill in The Dales, a 5 mile route with a descent into Gaping Gill on the winch and of course around Queensbury and the Aire Valley, a bit closer to home.
As part of my training to be a walk leader, I had to take a 2 day outdoor First Aid course which was paid for by Sowerby Walkers & Ramblers.
I have already led a couple of walks, the first one up to Crowhill near Sowerby, from Mytholmroyd which was 7 miles and taking 34 people aged from 20 to 80 years old and with quite a mix of abilities. I have also led a couple of Speedies walks of around 15 miles. We typically get around 5-10 people on these more challenging walks.
What I would say to people is just stop thinking about it, and just do it! Yes, it can be daunting but if you contact SW&R and ask if one of the walk leaders can meet just before a walk starts, they will do what they can to help you start off. You could also ask for a walk buddy on the walk just to ease you in to getting to know some of the others walkers. Everyone is very friendly and very welcoming.
Come along and make new friends and, like me, you could surprise yourself with where you might end up going and what you might see on your door step and indeed further afield!
Adventures Await………
Jo
I joined the walking group because I wanted a simple way to spend more time outdoors and build a routine that felt good for both my body and my mind. I had tried walking on my own, but I often found reasons to delay it, especially on busy days. Joining a group felt like the right kind of encouragement. I hoped it would help me explore new places, meet friendly people, and enjoy steady exercise without pressure. I also wanted something that would give me a break from everyday demands and help me reconnect with nature.
What I enjoy most about the group is the atmosphere. Every walk feels welcoming, and there is always someone happy to chat. At the same time, there is no expectation to talk if I want a quiet moment. People naturally look out for each other, which creates a sense of comfort and safety. I enjoy discovering new paths, views, and small details in the landscape that I would never have noticed on my own. The leaders choose interesting routes, and I like the feeling of being guided while still having the freedom to enjoy the surroundings at my own pace.
What I have gained from walking with the group goes far beyond fitness. I have gained confidence in my ability to handle longer routes and unfamiliar terrain. I have gained a sense of belonging and a feeling that I am part of a community that values the same things I do. I have gained calm moments, steady progress, and a clearer mind. Walking with the group has reminded me how much difference regular time outdoors can make, especially when shared with supportive people.