WALKS OF LIFE

MC magazine reporter Jackie Rankin and photographer Joel Goodman put their best foot forward to discover the joys of canal walking.

Walking group members enjoying a Monday morning stroll along the Leeds Liverpool canal.

It’s a dreary Monday morning – mustering the energy for a walk doesn’t come easy. At Bootle Life Rooms walk leader Kevin

Corcoran from the Canal and River Trust welcomes his group. Regulars mingle with newcomers.

As the room fills, there’s a growing sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Kevin leads the way to the local railway station. Train tickets paid for by the Trust, are handed out. Fifteen minutes later we’re heading down steps onto the Leeds Liverpool canal not far from Aintree Racecourse. It’s a complete contrast to the busy A59 above; trees full of winter berries, calm still water and the company of passing waterfowl. There are 11 walkers in our group, led by Kevin and fellow walk leader John Goodman. Some have been involved since the programme was launched back in March 2020. They’d hardly stepped out of the door when lockdown forced them to become virtual. Members would do the walk during their permitted outdoor activity time, then meet on Zoom to discuss the sights and sounds they’d experienced. Others are joining the walk for the first time. Dave, a quietly spoken chap, was planning to come along with his neighbour, who wasn’t able to make it. A little nervous to begin with, he’s soon in conversation with Anne, a regular since she retired from the Civil Service.28

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A leisurely pace means walkers can chat, take in the scenery and spot wildlife.

Dave has experienced anxiety and depression in the past and says getting out of his flat and talking to people is as important as staying active. “It’s not easy to meet people. I feel we’ve lost the basics of keeping in touch and life is so fast paced now. I like the idea that it’s not a hard walk, you don’t have to be an athlete to join in – and it gets you out on days like this.”

Anne and husband Tony, also newly retired, are enjoying incorporating the weekly canal walks into their routine. “Knowing it’s on makes you go, even on rainy days – though I got soaked the first time. I bought a new waterproof and now I’m ready for anything!” laughs Anne. She goes out of her way to talk to new folk, or those who find conversation more difficult. “I’ll chat about anything, for me it’s about feeling welcomed and part of something”. An hour later we’re heading back to Bootle Life Rooms for a hot drink. No-one needs to rush anywhere, there’s time for more chat. That’s the essence of this venture between Life Rooms and the Canal and Waterways Trust. Sefton Community Roots Engagement Coordinator Sam Marine explains: “It’s so much more than a walk; it’s a chance to connect with nature and with each other. Bootle is an urban area, but once you’re on the canal with all the wild life and natural surroundings it’s a different world. People regularly say ‘I had no idea this was in my backyard.’ Doing a 40 minute gentle walk on a Monday can change your whole week; it gives you a different outlook.” Kevin Corcoran agrees. He and John Goodman adapt a walk to suit the needs and ability of the people who come along. “Every walk is different; it’s as much a learning experience for us.”

You don’t have to be an athlete to join in.

I FEEL LUCKY

Maureen is 77 and has been involved with the walking programme from the outset. She lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sustained eight years ago. She says groups like the walking group can be life changing. “I’m a resilient person, but my trauma wiped out my life. I just needed someone to listen without judging. When I first came to Life Rooms I’d fall apart, but now I’m enjoying life and I feel lucky. During lockdown Maureen would complete set walks then write a blog for her family as a way of staying in touch.

She’s at the back of the group chatting to John Goodman. ”I’m quite a shy person, but I’m interested in people. But you don’t have to talk; you can just enjoy the nature. Being by water is a very calming experience. You get the feeling ‘we’re all in this together’.”