Mindful Walks

Time to slow down & connect with nature

Ready to take a break from the chaos of daily life, and immerse yourself in beautiful natural spaces in Oxfordshire?

Sally’s guided mindful walks offer a unique opportunity to find peace, connection, and calm in the great outdoors. You’ll learn to cultivate a greater sense of presence, quietening the chatter of your mind and fully experiencing the beauty that surrounds you.

What is mindful walking?

Mindful walking is all about enjoying the journey, rather than focussing on covering great distances or counting your steps. You’ll learn to appreciate the simple joy of walking, and be encouraged to slow down and really savour the natural beauty of your surroundings.

What happens on a mindful walk?

Each mindful walk is unique, with themed activities designed to suit the walk location, season and weather. All activities are suitable for beginners, and no previous mindfulness knowledge is needed.

Invitations might include:

  • using your senses to notice little details eg listening to bird song, looking closely at plants, feeling the texture of tree bark

  • grounding yourself through the soles of your feet with walking meditation

  • stopping to savour the natural beauty around you, or ‘treasure hunts’ to find natural objects that bring you joy

  • listening to nature-themed poetry

  • guided meditations to help you tune into the present moment, or notice how you’re feeling

  • time for space and silence, to enjoy simply ‘being’

  • opportunities to share in pairs or small groups

“A great experience which helped to appreciate the nature around me and the peace within me, thank you”

-Jamie

“If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside.”

-Elizabeth von Arnim

Upcoming walks in Oxfordshire

Saturday 20th April, 11-12.30

Mindful walk through Wantage Cemetery to Manor Road Park

Starting from The Mix in central Wantage, we’ll make our way to Manor Road Park, via Wantage Cemetery.

This is a free 1.5 - 2 mile walk with a gentle incline and a short slope. The paths are mainly tarmac with a short stretch along a field edge, so some boots/tough shoes are recommended.

As always we’ll be on the lookout for wildlife, and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Spring.

Mindful Walk Dates

Friday 17th May, 2-4pm

Mindful Walk around Elder Stubbs Allotments, East Oxford

This is the second of three free Mindful Walks for students of Oxfordshire Recovery College.

If you live in Oxfordshire and are accessing support for your mental health, supporting a friend or family member, or working/volunteering within the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, then you can join the college and sign up for this walk.

Elder Stubbs Allotments is just a five minute stroll from Cowley Road and Templar's Square shopping centre. We'll explore the part of the site managed by members of the charity Restore. We’ll have time to admire the flowers and plants growing, explore the orchard and the multi-sensory garden.

Tuesday 25th June, 10-12

Mindful Walk to Ladygrove Park, Didcot

This is the second of three free Mindful Walks for students of Oxfordshire Recovery College.

If you live in Oxfordshire and are accessing support for your mental health, supporting a friend or family member, or working/volunteering within the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, then you can join the college and sign up for this walk.

Ladygrove Park is a 10 minute walk from Didcot Railway Station, with free parking nearby. We’ll slowly ascend the mound to take a look at the labyrinth and admire the views, and as always we’ll be on the lookout for seasonal flora and fauna.

What people say about my mindful walks

  • ANKE

    “

    “I have been on a few Mindfulness walks with Sally this year and each one has been a joy to attend. Irrespective of the weather Sally always finds a positive way to look at things - even walking in the mud. Thank you so much for the experiences and poems you share with the group.”

    ”

  • JAMIE

    “

    “A great experience which helped to appreciate the nature around me and the peace within me, thank you”

    ”

  • NATALIA

    “

    “The walk with Sally was mindful and lovely. She was very kind and supportive all the time. This walk gave me the opportunity to relax, find my breath and hear the birds and the wind! Highly recommended”

    ”

Walk FAQs

  • Each walk is limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate, friendly and safe experience for everyone.

  • No, mindful walks don’t require any mindfulness or meditation experience. All activities are suitable for beginners.

  • My mindful walks focus on slowing down and taking time to notice the world around us, so we don’t walk at a fast pace. For more detail about walk lengths, terrain and other accessibility questions please take a look at the walk descriptions below, or feel free to drop Sally an email at hello@sallyharrismindfulness.co.uk

  • We love dogs but sadly unless otherwise stated we don’t allow dogs on walks, apart from assistance dogs.

  • Mindful walks are designed with adults in mind, so children most likely won’t find them too interesting! Mature teenagers who will enjoy periods of silence, and are happy to share about their experience in pairs/small groups are welcome.