The Order is an enthusiastic proponent of distance walking. In the modern world it’s a hard sell to convince people to invest a day or days in a simple but long walking journey of which the fruits are mostly realised after the event and over time. This is a 2013 Australian study of long distance walking by Rob E. Saunders, Monash University, Jennifer Laing, La Trobe University, Betty Weiler, Southern Cross University. For those that are interested in detail it’s a 39 page read, the Abstract from this document is thus.
Long distance walking can help people cope with change and make enduring positive changes in their lives. Interviews with twenty five long-distance walkers reporting personally significant experiences on multi-day hikes suggest increased self-confidence, and other enduring changes which enhance well-being. By fostering engagement with people, settings and challenging tasks, long-distance walking is found to facilitate relationships, meaning and a sense of achievement. While the ensuing positive emotion may be short lived, enduring self-efficacy and growth can also result. Findings will be of interest to tour operators and guides, and provide insights into the transformative potential of long-distance walking experiences.
We offer a nod of sincere thanks to the academics above for their work
Personal transformation through long-distance walking – Southern Cross University
The Order Of Walkers 