I was lucky enough to grow up in the pretty English countryside where we regularly walked the lush green hills and valleys, clambered up rocky granite tors, swam in copper-gold coloured rivers, lay in the arms of trees, built camps with friends in the woods, mixed potions out of leaves and berries, rode horses and cycled along winding lanes, leafy bridle paths, field footpaths, and meadows. Our parents had a great affinity for nature and taught us the names of trees and animals, made leaf rubbings, walked the lanes with us in autumn to pick big bowls full of blackberries, showed us which bird had laid the blue and brown spotted eggs in the nest in spring. I voraciously read books about history, other lands, and magic – the ‘Narnia’ series was one of my favourites to read and re-read. Imagination, creativity and education were all combined.
After university and a 20-year global business career, I became ill with ME/CFS so returned home to Devon, and used a holistic approach to regain physical health, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual connection. Inspired to share my journey with others and by my family’s love and knowledge of Dartmoor, I retrained as a Walking Guide, Nature-Connection Facilitator, and Health and Life Coach.
Rather than the route-marches of my younger days, my walks are designed to offer an immersive experience that invite a deeper (re)connection with our bodies, communities, and the land so that we can be happier, healthier, and inspired to care for our natural world. Walks can be gentle or more strenuous; for adults or families; and focus on a range of subjects that include history/archaeology, flora (including wild foods) and fauna, prehistoric sacred sites, myths and legends, wild swimming, farming, navigation, mindfulness, and more.
Anyone who joins my walks and experiences reports a greater sense of wellbeing as well as enjoyment, fun and learning. I hope you’ll join me soon to explore some of England’s most stunning coastal paths, majestic moors, and tumbling rivers.
(Credit for Emma's profile image to Claire Tregaskis Photography).
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