Why I Set Up WalkNTalk

This is probably the most asked question on our walks – “Why did you start this group?”
And honestly, it’s not the simplest of answers.

Back in November 2020, I had a hip replacement. It was right in the middle of the COVID lockdowns, and recovery was tough – not just because of the operation, but because I’ve had mobility issues and surgeries since birth. At 44, my hip finally gave up and broke completely. My surgeon also lengthened my leg during the operation, which meant my recovery took months, not weeks.

As it was lockdown, I didn’t move much. I was nervous about injuring myself again. I did a little walking, but it was inconsistent, and I gained two stone since the operation. I’ve always been the queen of procrastination – “I’ll go for a walk later” often became tomorrow, next week, next month…

I’d thought about starting a walking group before, but that old fear crept in – what if no one wants to join me? So I shelved the idea. But one day, I just went for it. Without overthinking, I created a Facebook group and posted about it in a local community group. I didn’t expect much – but within hours, it blew up.

Women were asking to join, commenting, messaging – full of questions I hadn’t even thought about. How far are the walks? How long do they last? Can I bring my dog? My baby? My toddler? Suddenly, I was making what felt like a million decisions and hoping they were the right ones. From what I remember, within just a couple of days there were a few hundred women in the group.

That’s when it hit me – I actually needed to plan a walk!

At the time, I barely knew Colchester. I’d only moved here about a year before COVID and hadn’t had much chance to explore. So I picked a route and went out to test it, making sure the paths were safe and suitable.

And then came our very first walk – Monday 7th October 2024.

I picked a route that started close to home. I left the house a few minutes before the walk was due to start, and as I turned into the car park, I spotted a woman getting out of her car wearing what looked like walking boots. Well, I thought, at least I’m not walking alone.

18 women walked on Monday 7th October 2024, WalkNTalks 1st walk.

But then I looked up... and saw a group of women. A big group. All waiting. All there for the walk.

I’ve been told I looked shocked – even a bit emotional. And it’s true – I was. That very first Monday morning, there were 18 of us. Eighteen women, many of whom had never met before, all ready to walk together.

And just like that, WalkNTalk was born.

Rebecca - WalkNTalk founder x