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Recently, I chanced upon a book in the local library called 52 Ways to Walk by Annabel Streets. It was delightful to dip into it and to pick up some ideas on different ways to walk, both in your neighbourhood and further afield.

Suggestions included:

• Slow walking.

The above photo was taken at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. I’ve been there a few times over the years, and there is something about the gardens that engages my senses, encouraging a sense of peace. The beautiful surroundings and the water features create a sense of tranquility. They offer something different with each visit, and are best explored slowly and thoughtfully. You can read more about Cowra here.

• Walking with your ears — this highlighted the benefit of listening to birdsong and its impact on mood and mental state.
• Take a dance-walk. Sounds like fun!
• Tips on posture and ways to improve your walking style.
• The social connections that can be made whilst walking, especially if you smile as you walk.

To walk about in cities in particular is to be caught up in the slipstream of pedestrians. There was a similar feeling of being part of the crowd on a Sunday morning when my sister and I went for a walk near the Newington Armory. It is a popular place for bike riders too, and it was nice to smile and chat with others as we made our way along the pathways.

• Walking early in the day, or late at night.
• Going for a windy walk, which may be the perfect opportunity for an emotional spring-clean.

On a particularly windy afternoon in Melbourne, I chanced upon kitesurfers at St Kilda. The wind was so strong that it was quite the effort to simply make my way along the pier, but it was worth it to see how the wind was harnessed by the surfers — it was astonishing to watch.

• Walk beneath a full moon. I agree with the wonder of walking as the moon rises, how the moonlight casts a different kind of glow on familiar places.
• Walking to remember: walking can help with concentration.
• Silent strolling.
• Ambling amid trees.

One of my favourite things is to go for walks in places that I visit, even if I’m simply passing through. I came across Haig Park in Canberra quite by chance at the end of an autumn day, and taking a brisk walk through part of the park was restorative. It was initially planted as a wind break.

There were a couple of quotes which resonated with me.

Walking solo is the ultimate in freedom.

… a walk in the rain reconnects us with the elements … quite literally — touched by nature.

When we walk with our heads tilted and our gaze lifted, we see things we haven’t noticed before — architectural details, changes in the tree canopy, bizarre cloud formation, the iridescent flash of a bird’s wing.

Something that also stayed with me was another reader had marked some sections, which drew the eye. There were also some comments inspired by the content, including “I should get a bouncy ball”. Intriguing idea!

Walking, especially in recent years, has increased my awareness of the delights in store if you simply take the time to see what’s around you. This changes with the location and the seasons, the time of day and your mindset. There are many rewards for the curious walker, wherever you walk.

You can find more about the book here, along with other articles by the author. It is a great reminder of the physical, spiritual and emotional benefits that come from walking.

When was the last time you went for a wander?

Photo: boardwalk at the Field of Mars Reserve (one of my favourite places to walk)