Midlife walking groups and the best outdoor shoes for everyday adventures

Movement has to be realistic to be achievable and many of us are getting to a stage where exercise is less about pushing ourselves and more about finding something we enjoy and will therefore stick to.  It needs to feel good for both body and mind, fit around real life and not just be another job on the to do list.

I still do my strength training twice a week, that is a non-negotiable to me, it's needed for muscle mass, skeletal health and strong bones, but walking (with or without my dogs) is also important to me, even a short walk is positive!

It's simple and you do not need to book a class, learn a routine or be in the mood for a full on workout. You just need to get outside and start - you can walk for 20 minutes or 2 hours and feel the benefits.

For a while I had been searching for a midlife walking group in the Marlow area and was delighted when Shelley from Circle of Steps got in touch to invite me to try out one of her new walks!  It was just what I wanted, a group of like-minded, midlife women, coming together for a walk, a chat, fresh air and maybe a coffee after.

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Joining a walking group in Marlow

Why walking is perfect in midlife!

For many women, this stage of life comes with a lot of stuff going on. Work, family, hormones, poor sleep, confidence wobbles, ageing parents, busy minds, all the overwhelm. It can feel hard enough keeping on top of everything without adding disproportionate exercise expectations into the mix.

Walking is gentle but still hugely beneficial. It clears your head, gets you outdoors, helps you stay mobile and active. And walking can also be social, making it feel less like exercise for the sake of it and more like something enjoyable that becomes part of your weekly routine.

Why walking groups can be such a good idea

Walking on your own is great, and I do enjoy that too, my daily dog walks are usually just me. But there is something about walking with other women that feels especially uplifting. The combination of movement, good conversation and fresh air, and a supportive community feeling around you.  I know when I've walked in groups with other women I have enjoyed the sense of understanding each other and our daily ups and downs.

A walking group takes something very simple and make it feel more enjoyable and keeps you accountable. You are not just going out to get your steps in, you are getting out of the house, moving your body and connecting with people at the same time.

And that feels like a much more natural way to build movement into everyday life.

Walking is a realistic, achievable way to move more

Anyone can walk, you don't need to be sporty, or be particularly fit before you start. You don't need lots of expensive kit. 

Start slowly, for example Circle of Steps have 'sunset walks' which are just one hour with a gentler pace, and you can build up to their longer two hour walks when you feel ready. 

Or if an hour feels too much, get some practice in by yourself first and start with 20 minutes, then 30 minutes ... find a route that suits you, find your motivation and make sure you have comfortable footwear! 

​Exercise does not have to be all or nothing, it can be a short walk at lunchtime or a 10 to 20 minute snackable workout.  Keep it simple, and build up gradually, it's okay for midlife movement to be small and steady but it is still very worthwhile.  Proving that you can stay active in midlife without it taking up all your time!

Shelley runs Circle of Steps, a walking group for midlife women!

Why the right outdoor shoes matter!

When you get started wear whatever trainers or sturdy shoes you have, don't overthink it but if you want to progress to longer distances then comfort and grip is going to be much more important.

In the winter, I usually wear my long leather walking boots from Fairfax & Favor, which I love for warmth and coverage when the weather is colder and the ground is wetter, they are waterproof and warmer than traditional wellies.  But once spring and summer arrive, I want something lighter on my feet, and then I swap to a good pair of outdoor shoes instead.

I prefer a lighter weight option that still feels supportive and practical. If I am heading out for a walk, especially on mixed paths or slightly uneven ground, I want shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on. 

A good pair of outdoor shoes can make such a difference to your walking ability. They help you feel more confident underfoot and make it easier to say yes to a walk, whether that is a planned group walk, a countryside stroll or just a more active day outdoors.  I keep my outdoor trainers by the door, ready to go!

Here are a few tips for finding the right walking shoes:

Comfort - this always comes first. If shoes are not comfortable from fairly early on, they are probably not the right pair for me. I want something I can happily wear for a proper walk without thinking about my feet the whole time.

Grip - even on a gentle walk, there can still be uneven ground, damp paths or muddy patches. A bit of grip makes such a difference and helps you feel steadier.

Lightweight - in spring and summer especially, I do not want anything too heavy. I like shoes that feel supportive but still light enough to wear easily.

Versatility - I think the best outdoor shoes are the ones that can do more than one job. Something you can wear for a walk, a day out and the coffee stop afterwards is always a bonus!

Style - this matters to me! If shoes do not feel like your style, you are less likely to reach for them. I like outdoor shoes that feel practical but still work with casual everyday outfits.

Movement in midlife does not have to be dramatic

Movement in midlife does not have to be intense to be valuable. It does not have to leave you exhausted or involve a big transformation story.  Sometimes it is simply about finding ways to move that are realistic and enjoyable.

Walking fits that - it gets me outdoors, helps clear my head and feels much easier to maintain regularly.  

My cardio fitness needs a bit of attention!

If you are looking for a new way to move more in midlife, walking is such a lovely place to start. It is simple, accessible and easy. It can be social or solitary, planned in advance or spontaneous, local or part of a bigger day out.  

My first walk with Circle of Steps was quite ambitious but I loved it and the sun was shining in early spring.  It did make me realise my cardio needs some attention but I am booked in for one of the new 'sunset walks' next week and I think a gentler route and less steps might be a better place to start.

Do you regularly walk longer distances?

Love from
Michelle xx


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