Walking as You

2024 Group Coaching Programme

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST: THIS PROGRAMME IS NOW CLOSED

Launching in May 2024: a six-month group walking coaching journey to explore identity, purpose, and contribution.

For mid-life professionals serious about shaping a better future, starting with themselves.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt”
— John Muir

Can you relate to any of these mind-states?

  • Tired of walking a well-worn path and seeking a different kind of fulfilment

  • Unsure what it means to truly ‘walk as you’ and afraid of what that might affect

  • Fed up with pouring your energy into a world that it seems nobody wants to live in or an organisation that nobody wants to work for

  • Keen to be part of the change we need to see

  • Feeling called to create something new and meaningful in your work

  • Worried you don’t have what you need to make change happen

If so, you are certainly not alone.

More people than ever find themselves at breaking point under the strain of high-pressure, meaningless jobs. They feel trapped in a gilded cage: an illusion of security wrapped in high mortgage repayments, mundanity and a lifestyle the world can’t sustain. 

Finding another way forward seems impossible.

But the dream persists…

To feel at peace. Live a more magical life. Do more meaningful work. Show up more fully as you. Be a caring inhabitant of our world.

Join us from May 2024

Connect in a small, intimate group with a shared desire “to be the change” we need to see in our world.

Journeys like this are not to be underestimated. They take energy, courage and desire – not to mention inspiration, resources, allies and support.

We’ve laid out a six-month journey plan designed to take you a long way, if not the whole way, to reach your destination.

‘Walking as You’ journey overview

  • Pre-Programme Information Pack

    As soon as you sign up and pay your deposit, you will receive a pack containing everything you’ll need to know about your journey, including key dates, what to bring and travel guidance.

  • 1:1 Call with Your Host

    A private conversation over the phone or Zoom with Sandra will orient you to the programme, help you understand where you want to focus and discuss your hopes, expectations and concerns.

  • Group Welcome & Introductions

    A facilitated group call via Zoom to get to know one another and share programme logistics.

Six, half-day Group Walks on Fife Coastal Path

(June 2024 – exact dates tbc)

A monthly walk series in the company of your fellow group members along six of the most scenic sections of the famous Fife Coastal Path.

Explore one of Scotland’s iconic walk routes: low cliffs, long sandy beaches and rocky bays, grass-tufted dunes and picturesque fishing villages. You may catch a glimpse of grey seals, dolphins, and sea eagles alongside abundant reminders of Scotland’s rich history, including caves, castles and old watchhouses.

Each half-day walk will provide you with concentrated time to take a deep dive into your chosen area of focus and fully ‘be’ with it. You will also start to unfold what it means to truly ‘Walk as You’ in the world.

On each occasion, you will walk A to B, or by a circular route along Scotland's East Coast's wild and spectacular natural landscape, guided through various activities designed to uncover new and creative insights. Each person will benefit from 1:1 coaching, opportunities for conversation and independent reflection.

We will walk approx 3 hours per walk at a comfortable pace for conversation, with frequent stops along the way. Fife Coastal Path is graded easy-moderate, with level terrain and minimal uphill.

  • 6 x Reflective/Experiential Practice

    Developing your walking and reflective practice is a great way to bring more consciousness to your experience. You will receive six practice guides; each sent following your monthly walk and themed around a different topic chosen to support your journey.

  • 3 x Personal Coaching Sessions

    Each session lasts 50 minutes via phone or Zoom. These sessions provide personal 1:1 time with your coach to reflect on your journey. While each session is virtual, you may wish to walk as you talk.

What can you expect to take away from this journey?

  • Inspiration to re-shape your life

  • Deep understanding of the change you want to bring about

  • A vision for the new reality that your heart is calling out for 

  • Connection with a powerful personal purpose that extends out into the wider world

  • Recognition of existing qualities and resources that can support the fulfilment of your dream

  • A letting go of old, redundant beliefs and attitudes

  • Commitment and accountability for actions that will ensure progress

  • An abundance of new friendships, support and resources as you take your next steps

  • Discovery of inner peace, connection and grounded confidence in the unique role you play on our planet

It will also suit people who:

  • Love walking and spending time in natural landscapes

  • Are curious to discover new ways to appreciate how walking and connecting with the land and sea can support your personal and professional development

  • Want a safe space to do sensitive, reflective and processing work on themselves

  • Have an adventurous spirit, a sense of humour and take the vagaries of British weather as part of the overall experience 

  • Are willing to contribute openly to conversation around a range of topics with a small, supportive group 

  • Sometimes just want to be left alone

  • Can walk at a moderate pace over prepared paths on generally level terrain

  • Commit to an ongoing group learning process, including their own guided walking practice, where everybody benefits from the powerful wisdom and diversity of the collective

For more information about what you can expect from walking coaching, please read our FAQs.

Walking as You includes:

  • A powerful, supportive group of fellow journey-ers who will walk and work together over six months or longer

  • A group and personal orientation call with your programme Guide to provide focus and support as you embark on this life-changing experience

  • Six half-day, small group coaching walks over six months (June - November), expertly guided along the diverse and beautiful Fife Coastal Path – including various facilitated nature-based practices and sessions, personal 1:1 coaching and the opportunity to carry this coaching relationship forward at preferential rates

  • A range of tailored practices to support and guide your ongoing development journey during the programme and beyond

  • Added support of three 50-minute personal coaching sessions to help maximise everything you’ve gained and continue to generate new ideas and solutions

What happens next?

If you are interested in joining us on this journey, the next step is to download the Walking as You program brochure.

Then you’re invited to join us on a 1:1 Discovery Call to hear more and get answers to any questions. (5% discount available for booking this call prior to signing up)

Your Journey Guide

SANDRA CUNNINGHAM

Sandra is a professionally certified, trauma-informed coach (accredited by the International Coach Federation) with over 20 years of experience supporting leaders and teams through major work/life transitions. No stranger to dealing with transition herself, she was previously an international marketing executive, directing from various management boards, then a senior communications consultant for large private and public sector clients.

As founder and director at Walking Coach®, she integrates her passion for and knowledge of nature-based development with her coaching expertise to create transformational walking-based programmes among beautiful, natural landscapes. Sandra is also a qualified hill walking leader and outdoor first aider.

In the words of our past clients…

  • “This was a deep, rich and meaningful experience which I know is the start of “important stuff” in my life. I was open and yet still surprised with what surfaced. Be patient and kind with yourself, allow time.....make even more time than you think you’ll need, and double it! Enjoy the investment in you....trust it will all unfold, as Sandra holds a precious space and process for you with insight and care.”

    Ruth, London

  • “I really enjoyed this special walking weekend retreat, along with the fabulous facilitation with great sensitivity and depth.... Thanks for a time that exceeded my expectations”

    David, Perthshire

  • “At one point, deep in my knowing, I knew it was time to turn around and return home, and as I did, I suddenly saw my path completely differently – brighter, positive and more interesting than I’d previously thought. It was a really pivotal, break-through moment for me, and as a result of that Walk, I now feel far more confident and at ease both in myself and with the challenges I’ve been facing.”

    Jane, Angus

  • "I valued the opportunity to be in the outdoors, at one with nature, amongst a truly supportive group of people, in a marvellous setting and to completely getting away from it all. It made me realise (or re-connect with) what's important in life - and how amazing it is simply to be alive."

    Tracey, Sussex

  • “The follow-on (Mastermind) group enriched the important work I achieved during the (walking) retreat, keeping the momentum of change alive (it’s so easy after a retreat to lose the value and slip back into the old patterns and routines), and provided me with the freedom to bring confidential matters without judgement. … As a business owner it has made a huge difference to be able to address matters that would be too sensitive or restrictive to discuss elsewhere.”

    Denis, Cork

  • “This is powerful! Putting aside all else and immersing yourself in the great outdoors is something that you must allow yourself the opportunity to do. Being able to tease out the significance of your thoughts with such an amazing coach stays with you for a long time.”

    Mandy, Fife

Apply Here