A new Sunday morning walking group for women is launching in Cork this weekend
How about a bit of fresh air, a slow walk and some time to switch off?
A new walking group launching in Cork this weekend might be right up your street.
Kindred Paths is a new Sunday morning walking practice for women, with its first walk taking place at Garrettstown this Sunday, September 27th.
But this isn’t your typical walking group. There’s no focus on hitting a certain number of steps, covering a particular distance or getting your heart rate up. Instead, Kindred Paths combines slow, conscious walking with guided meditation, taking in Cork’s shores, fields and woodlands along the way.
Each walk lasts around two hours and includes gentle invitations to notice the landscape, periods of silence, easy conversation and a closing meditation.
The walks are designed to suit most fitness levels and will go ahead in all weather, so there’s no need to worry about a bit of Irish rain putting a stop to things.
The idea comes from Cork-based intuitive guide, channeller and somatic practitioner Ciara McDonnell, who leads the walks as part of her Aoibhneas Croí community brand for women’s gatherings.
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“There is a particular kind of quiet that only comes when we walk, and I have always felt it most deeply in the company of other women,” Ciara said.
She said many of the women she meets are exhausted and craving some stillness, but find it difficult to simply sit and be quiet.
“Walking gives them a way in,” she said.
The name Kindred Paths also reflects the sense of community behind the idea, with Ciara drawing inspiration from the old Irish saying ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine – that people live in each other’s shelter.
Women who would like to join the first outing, which is free, can book by emailing ciara@ciaramcdonnell.com.
So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to put the phone away, get outside and spend a couple of hours walking and chatting with other women, this could be a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning.
