The accident

In January 2024, a hot water bottle burst and I got burned. I went to hospital, but I didn’t get the treatment I should have received. I nearly died twice.

I came home with a severe infection, in mind-numbing pain and alone.

The first people I called were Alison and Jim from my St Andrews & North East Fife Ramblers group.

Alison stayed on a call with me to provide support. It was -3 degrees outside, and I arrived home to a power cut. Today of all the days!

I was in shock and it was freezing cold. I do not know what I would have done if Alison wasn’t there to calm me down.

 

Walking to recovery

During the darkest days following my accident, my fellow Ramblers were there when I was traumatised and alone.

As I healed throughout 2024, I kept on walking with my Ramblers groups, who have been patient and steadfast in their support and kindness. Everyone I walked with was so understanding. I could walk at my pace.

I really don't know where I would be today without them. It has left me feeling like I have a family, in a new place.

It's momentous to reflect on my journey and all that it has taken to be here.

 

The joy of sociable walks

To me, since joining in summer 2023, the Ramblers has been so much more than just a walking group.

It’s become a community and a way of life.

There are people from all walks of life, all ages, and it so great to learn about different things, experiences and more.

There are away trips and lunches, volunteering opportunities, and so much more.

The value and companionship is truly invaluable.

 

Building a life in a new country

While I grew up, we moved about all over India, where my dad was a mining engineer.

But walking was always a family obsession – and still is for my parents, despite them having some health problems now. They are inching towards becoming octogenarians, yet they walk long distances in a day without breaking a sweat.

It’s been brilliant to carry on that love of walking now I live in Scotland. And I couldn’t tell you how relieved I am that we don’t have quite as many ants and insects as back in India!

My parents visited Scotland in 2023, and they found the walking so accessible here. They loved it.

 

Energised by hiking

The best part of walking has been getting an up-close look at Scotland. Yes, the land is stunning if you drive by, but walking gives such an intimate view.

The fields, the hills, the fog, the people, the banter. The lunches in the forest are amazing too. Like a picnic.

Walking is much more than just a physical activity. It clears the mind, gets me out in nature and helps to get me invigorated. I come back energized to tackle everything in my life.

If you are not walking then you are missing out on experiencing the land, culture and people in a totally unique way.

 

Becoming a volunteer

I now volunteer as secretary for Forth Valley, Fife and Tayside Area, so I get to work with more than dozen Ramblers groups. Each is unique, creative and engages differently with their members.

I love that my Area focuses on training and upskilling. I enjoy representing our Area – including attending General Council in 2025 - and getting to talk about all the work we do here and throughout the Ramblers in Great Britain.

I believe we must build the world we want to live in. For me, that world should be accessible, welcoming to people from all walks of life and focused on everyone’s physical and mental well-being.

As I have experienced during my recovery, the Ramblers embodies all these values, and more. I feel honoured to be a part of the Ramblers.

 

If you fancy giving a Ramblers walk a go, check out our groups’ upcoming events and find the perfect walk for you. The first two or three walks are free, so you can see if the Ramblers is for you. Our friendly volunteer walk leaders will love to have you along.

Also, if you are recovering from an illness or an operation and would like to get out walking, check out Ramblers Wellbeing Walks in England and Wales. These are free, short walks designed to help you take the first step towards better health, wellbeing and happiness.