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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