Research

Sarah explores the relationship between walking, nature, pilgrimage, movement, and wellbeing through international research, conference presentations, and experiential outdoor education. Her work focuses on how mindful movement and outdoor environments support physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.

My independent practitioner-research also investigates embodied walking experiences through ecological and cultural landscapes, with particular interests in environmental perception, restorative environment, pilgrimage and connection to place. Current work includes research presentations, reflective writing, walking-based fieldwork and the development of retreats informed by movement and environmental experience.

Research Highlights

Published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Presented at the International Nature Therapy Conference, Taiwan
Presented at the European Outdoor Education Networking Conference, Italy
Research focus on pilgrimage walking, wellbeing, and outdoor movement
Specialist interest in women’s solo hiking experiences

Conferences:

European Outdoor Education Networking – Slovenia, October 2026

Delivery of 90 minute outdoor session, integrating Pilates, walking, sensory engagement and connection to landscape through the use of nature features such as lakes and forests.

11th International Outdoor Education Research Conference – Norweigan School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway, June 2026.

This poster presentation explores both the psychological benefits of nature-based exercise across three pilgrimage routes, one on Kumano Kodo, Japan, St Olav’s Ways, Norway and Camino de Santiago, Spain and how transformation through long-distance walking impacted the walkers.

UK Association of Outdoor Therapy Conference, Wales. November 2025

Delivery of a practical somatic movement session outdoors, connecting nature, Pilates and landscape.

10th International Nature Therapy Conference (IATC) Taiwan, July 2025

Poster presenation on nature and landscapes connected to Pilgrimage walking and wellbeing and how walking and outdoor movement supports mental and emotional health. There was time to explore the forest regions and hiking trails such as Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is a relatively short urban hike in Taipei city where you can view Taipei 101 skyscraper.

European Outdoor Education Networking Conference, April 2025 – Rimini, Italy – Place-Based Education and Urban Adventures

This opportunity to present my poster explored the role of walking as a method for connecting with culture and community.

Second International Conference Hiking & Mountain Sports & 3rd International Conference Women & Mountain – November 2024 – Valenica, Spain

This contribution poster presentation on ‘Solo women’s hiking wellbeing experiences on via Francigena pilgrimage’, explored how women seek connection through walking in a natural landscape and the impact on their wellbeing.

10th International Outdoor Education Research Conference – Tokyo, Japan – March 2024

This research poster presentation explored both connection and disconnection from the busyness of life on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and the impact on the walkers’ wellbeing. A chance to visit some historical sites prior to the conference, taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) to the culturally rich city Kyoto, home of more than 1000 temples and over 400 shrines to include Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Gion and Ginkaku-Ji as well as explore the forested hiking trails in the area.

Publications:

Walking with Purpose – Eight Solo Women’s Pilgrimage Hiking and Wellbeing Experiences on the via Francigena. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. S. Grocutt & C. Wood. (2025) Visit the following link to read more, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213078025000891.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2025.100943.

Introduction: There is little research on women who undertake solo pilgrimage walking and this study examined women’s experiences of solo pilgrimage hiking and wellbeing. The study finds that the walkers were seeking solitude, seeking adventure, seeking connection to others and seeking connection to themselves.

Walking in the Forest: Nature’s Path to Better Well-Being. Fitness Professionals – 2026 Spending time and walking in the forest helps adults unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. As a teacher I also see how these same natural spaces inspire curiosity, time to explore, build confidence, and wellbeing in children.

https://www.fitpro.com/blog/walking-in-the-forest-better-wellbeing/

Hike to Health: How Long Distance Hiking Boosts Wellbeing. Fitness Professionals (2024) This article investigates how the benefits of long distance hiking can contribute towards wellbeing, fovusing on multi-day hikes and how this offers a blend of adventure and endurance whilst exploring nature’s vast landscapes and how extended walking journey’s challenge the walker mentally, emotionally and physically.

Read more about my article at:

https://www.fitpro-com/blog/how-long-distance-hiking-boosts-wellbeing/

Blue Space-Physical Activity and Wellbeing. Fitness Professionals (2023)

This article explores how water can assist in restoring and promoting health such as the psychological effects of water, whether it be a waterfall, the sea, a river or a lake, and the benefits of how being near water lifts one’s mood and helps one to feel less stressed, connected to nature and generally improves our wellbeing.

Read the full article below:

https://www.fitpro.com/blog/blue-space-physical-activity-and-wellbeing/

Reasons for connection & disconnection from the busyness of life on the Camino de Santiago. This article explores themes connected to health & wellbeing. Published Article: CSJSpring2024Bulletin

A Trek to Rome: Solo Walkers and their Quest for Wellbeing on the Via Francigena. Published article: CSJAutumnBulletin2024

Further Research:

More than a Journey: Reflections from Travel

Description: This research draws upon an experience I encountered while travelling through Turkey which left a lasting impression and played an important role in my subsequent personal and professional journey.

Transformative Experience and Narrative Interpretation

Description: This research explores how individuals interpret and integrate profound subjective experiences into their sense of self, particularly in travel and cross-cultural contexts. The work is informed by interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, anthropology, and cultural theory.

Gallery

European Outdoor Education Networking, Slovenia