FareWays Chapter 4: What We Came For

Running on Joy

This is the second in-the-field episode of a series following the FareWays project, a collaboration between the Big Hoof, Running on Joy and the British Pilgrimage Trust. FareWays aims to connect people to the outdoors through long-distance journeys on foot and horse along the old ways of the UK for the benefits of their mental and physical health.

This July, our core team of four set out on a 200 mile adventure across St Columba’s Way in Scotland to raise money for the incredible work of the Venture Trust and specifically their new Outdoor Therapy Program, supporting the mental health of vulnerable 16 to 25 year-olds and ex service personnel. Our aim was to break down what a runner, rider or hiker should look like and to open conversations around the benefits of a reciprocal relationship to nature and mindful, slow travel.

Over the next few months, Running on Joy will be bringing you some of these stories, along with personal reflections and interviews with patrons and collaborators. If you feel inspired, you can find out about future FareWays projects and how to support our fundraising efforts at www.thebighoof.com/fareways.

In this episode, I connect with Gavin the head fundraiser of the Venture Trust, as well a some of the service users who joined us for a day on our journey. There are some simultaneously moving and hilarious reflections on what it means to truly walk alongside someone.

With thanks to: The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, Gravis Advisory, Fera GB and Firepot Food for their generous support of the journey across Scotland.

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