Out Walking 5JAN19

On New Year’s Day, I managed to get out for a walk, climbing Arthur’s Sea, walking along the canal and then down the Water of Leith. It was the first real walk I’ve done in ages and it was 20Km of pure joy.

I had forgotten the simple pleasure of striding out along a path, of climbing a hill to see the top or of sitting eating lunch outdoors watching what goes by.

I’ve been doing so much running of late which basically means training and more or less sticking to a strict schedule that I’ve not been able to get out for a walk for a year or more. My hiking gear has been feeling somewhat neglected of late.

Running, while I find it a meditative act, is an inward looking exercise. I’m focused on my form, my breathing, my pace and often how much longer I have to go before I can stop. I don’t see what is round me. I’m also pushing myself so often I’m really quite tired.

Walking is a more expansive act. I’m moving at a slower pace, though still working for it, and can look around and see the landscape that I’m passing through. I hit a rhythm and settle into a stride. My legs carry me along in an easy fashion and I’m begin to feel part of the scenery that I’m passing through.

There’s also time for photography, another much loved but somewhat neglected pastime. The light was fantastic from the top of Arthur’s seat and I got a few good photos at the top and then on the canal.