One of the projects I was focused on is to organise wellbeing walks with SWAN Scotland, their website here. I have just qualified as health walk leader with Walking Scotland, website here. We hope to run these walks monthly.
The SWAN walks offer a supportive and inclusive environment for autistic women and non-binary people. Beyond improving physical wellbeing, these walks provide an opportunity for socialisation and peer support.
The walks will be around an hour long at an easy social pace and are perfect for anyone who would like to become more active in the company of other autistic people. We can’t always guarantee good weather so please make sure you dress for the weather conditions on the day.
Our first walk is at the Hermitage of Braids on the 12th of October.
Meeting Point
The meeting point is at The Lodge Coffee House (see picture below), beginning of the Hermitage of Braids. It’s accessible by foot, car, or bus (stop at South Morningside Primary School and walk about 5 minutes).
Buses that go there: 5, 11, 15, and 16.
Walk Route Description
Starting at the Lodge Coffee House, the walk follows a mostly flat gravel path following the Braid Burn, ideal for all abilities. It passes through the woods for the first 1km or so. The next 1km will offer views of Blackford and Braid Hills, where the Blackford Quarry is situated. The return journey will follow along the same path or slight variations thereof.
Designed to be autism-friendly, it offers a relaxed pace, optional socialising, and pauses to enjoy nature. We will be stopping at various points along the walk to observe nature and internal introspection on its impact on us.
The 4km, 60 minute route (inclusive of stops) is risk-assessed, mostly level, and returns to the start.
If you identify as autistic woman or non-binary and would like to join us, please get your ticket below.
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