Keeping it Healthy - A Trossachs Toddle!!

[dooterbang]

Today's walk was used as a vehicle to promote a physical activity, and possible healthier lifestyle, for staff members at the extremely busy acute psychiatric admissions ward in Hairmyers Hospital. This was part of a group project alongside 2 fellow Mental Health Nursing students to plan and implement a fitness intervention within the community. There is a vast amount of research and evidence showing the positive benefits when doing a physical activity on a regular basis, especially walking, and the impact this has on mood

We, the students, agreed on Ben A'an as the hill of choice as this represented a good introduction to hillwalking. The distance wasn't overly long, it had a good path, was via woodland and had stunning views from the summit...on a good day that is, and thankfully it was

Luckily my friend and qualified Mountain Leader guide, Gordon Dowling, volunteered his time to lead the walk and share his knowledge of the outdoors, and pass on some navigation tips. So after meeting at the car park we started the walk at 10.00am. Carol (the boss), Joyce ( a nurse), Andy (student & NHS worker), Amanda (student) Gordon (our guide) and myself (student & NHS worker) set forth through the woodland for the summit of Ben A'an!






It was a lovely hot sunny day, clothing was soon removed to cool down. Joyce was flying up the hill and was finding the ascent no problem at all whilst Carol was more methodical in her approach and appeared to be pacing herself . This was also Amanda's first attempt at hillwalking, she had reported a fear of heights

Some nimble foot work and balance required to cross the layers of mud!


It wasn't long before reaching the last of the woodland, an opportunity for some rest. Amanda had stolen her children's snack size mars bars and offered them to everyone, we all tucked in




Our resting point....so Gordon, where is the summit??? Up there!!


I'm sure I heard gasps from some quarters!


Amanda posing, still dreaming of being a model eh...


Ben Venue






The final 3rd was steep, with plenty of rocks, and demanded some extra stops to catch ones breath...but soon we all reached the summit and took in the wonderful views.



Loch Katrine and Ben Venue


Andy


Myself & Amanda


Conquering her fear of heights...!


Andy & Amanda


The three amigos (students)


Group photos...




From left to right> Gordon, Carol, Joyce, Amanda, Paul (me) and Andy.


We spent around half an hour at the summit before leaving. There was some apprehension about the descent but it provided little cause for concern and we soon reached the car park. It appeared everyone enjoyed the activity, Carol and Joyce indicating possible further outings. Gordon and I started our hillwalking through a free club many years ago and we passed this information to everyone. The club has many experienced leaders and provides many walks and activities for varying fitness levels.
http://www.meetup.com/scottish-hillwalkers/

Gordon also has his own website and offers navigation courses over 2 days, and guided walks.
http://www.scottishhilladventures.co.uk/

Healthy Working Lives is an organization funded by the NHS which provides support to workplaces to improve health and wellbeing, it offers a range of resources to aid this.
http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/

Hillwalking is just one of many activities, amongst many, in keeping healthy. The trick is to find something you enjoy and make it regular. Well done everyone

[gammy leg walker]

As fine an introduction to hillwalking as you will ever get,one if not my all time favourite hill anywhere,thanks for posting.

[PeteR]

The best small hill in the book in my opinion

And a great hill to introduce people to the joys of hill-walking

[rockhopper]

A grand day for it, dooters - good to see you all enjoyed it Have read a few reports on this hill but not managed to get to it yet - certainly is a great viewpoint. Interesting point about HWL - we have the gold award at work with various activities throughout the year to get us more active and health conscious - cheers

[Silverhill]

You lucky person, getting to do this in work/ study time! A fabulous day!

There is a vast amount of research and evidence showing the positive benefits when doing a physical activity on a regular basis, especially walking, and the impact this has on mood

Hear, hear!

[jimandandrea]

Brilliant idea and looks like you knocked it off with the route and weather.
I will ask if we can do it within our healthcare team......

[mrssanta]

smashing!

[Collaciotach]

Good stuff your a sound fella

[dooterbang]

As fine an introduction to hillwalking as you will ever get,one if not my all time favourite hill anywhere,thanks for posting.

It's a cracker

Interesting point about HWL - we have the gold award at work with various activities throughout the year to get us more active and health conscious - cheers

I'm sure you manage that on your own with the amount you do

Brilliant idea and looks like you knocked it off with the route and weather.
I will ask if we can do it within our healthcare team......

We got lucky with the weather, thankfully. Hope you manage some sort of outing.

Cheers everyone.

[Dwiea]

I have worked for the NHS since 2007 and have always been quite surprised that considering the emphasis on employee health that there is no NHS 'endorsed' walking club.

I worked for Ayrshire & Arran and they had walking leaders (wee walk around the hospital). And now I am with National Services Scotland there is Jogging and Walking leaders that do things in the afternoon. There is also a cycle clinic so you can get your bike fixed.

It would be good if there was a NHS walking club or trust specific ones or even just an NHS 'affiliated' walking club and have it mentioned in Healthy Working Lives emails that are always sent out.

[mountain thyme]

Quote.. There is a vast amount of research and evidence showing the positive benefits when doing a physical activity on a regular basis, especially walking, and the impact this has on mood Quote

I try and encourage my patients into walking by using all the evidence for improving mood with exercise

Nice one Still to get up this wee hill.

[Huff_n_Puff]

Great report - couldn't agree more with the comments on mood and activity, health and exercise. Just back from a holiday trekking in the Andes - meeting people who farmed at over 4000 metres (with little mechanical help) men did portering to earn extra money while the women acted as shepherds, farmers, textile workers, child care assistants, cooks and housekeepers. Not sure who had the hardest time on this .

Like the stupid westener i am, I assumed that life expectancy would be pretty short, only to be told that for men it was about 78 yrs and women 88 yrs

Yes exercise and health do seem to go together.