My interest in walking extends from local landscapes to historic pilgrimage routes. Through personal experience and research, I explore how walking can support wellbeing, resilience and a deeper connection to place.
Malvern Hills Walks
Saturday 28 March 2026 10-4pm
“Our day began with an invigorating walk in the Malvern Hills where we took in the beautiful vistas and nature followed by a good workout of Pilates exercises. An inspiring and peaceful day, I will look forward to the next time”. Gail
“I enjoyed the day in the Malvern Hills, combining this lovely walk, followed by Pilates and relaxation exercises”. Christina
Saturday 26 April 2025 10.00-4.00pm – Malvern Hills
Day – Malvern Hills walk 4-5 miles, connecting with nature, Pilates progressions, indoor and outdoor Pilates flow class, foot and ankle talk, programme of exercises. Breathing and relaxation exercises.
Introduction to Forest Bathing
Forest bathing known in Japan as ‘Shinrin-yoku’ is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health. This interactive day will consist of Walking, mindfulness, Pilates, Yoga, outdoor therapeutic techniques for body and mind. Learn techniques for vitality and health.
Breathing Workshops
How do we breathe? Purpose of the nose. Nose versus mouth breathing Breathing ratios and its purpose in exchange of gases, mechanisms of breathing, reasons why to breathe efficiently, stress and anxiety and its effects on the body.
Mindfulness Walks
A combination of exercise and mindfulness, focusing on sensations of the body and the environment through movement and sensory awareness, incorporating a fusion of inspired movement.
Some of my Favourite Camino Walks
The Portuguese Camino – 100km to Santigao
Walking and Pilates complement each other by developing strength, balance and resilience. My interest in pilgrimage and walking landscapes has also informed my research into the relationship between movement, wellbeing and connection to place.
One of my favourite routes is the Portuguese Camino, a journey that combines coastal scenery, historic towns and a gentler walking experience before arriving in Santiago de Compostela. My own Camino experiences continue to shape my work in Pilates, retreats and research.
The French Camino – 100km from Sarria
The final 100 kilometres of the French Camino, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes. Walking through woodland paths, traditional Galician villages and open countryside, the journey offers a balance of physical challenge and quiet reflection.
My own experience of this Camino has strengthened my interest in the relationship between walking, wellbeing and connection to place. Alongside my work in Pilates, it has informed my ongoing research into how movement through landscapes can support health, resilience and personal reflection.
Reaching Santiago and receiving the Pilgrim Certificate marks the end of the journey, but for many people the experience continues long after the walk itself.
The Via Francigena 100km
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that connects Canterbury with Rome, passing through a rich variety of landscapes, villages and historic sites. My interest in this route reflects my wider research into walking, wellbeing and connection to place, exploring how pilgrimage can encourage reflection, resilience and a deeper engagement with the environments we travel through.
Alongside my work in Pilates and walking, the Via Francigena continues to inspire my interest in the relationship between movement, landscape and personal wellbeing.
Walking through the Tuscany landscape
fitness-excel.com 