Armley women get a passport to roam!

By Lizzie Whewell

Wander Women is a new walking initiative coordinated and led by one of the LS12 based The SHEnanigans group ambassadors.

Danielle Johnson, who runs this project, came up with the idea to encourage more women to get out, around and beyond the borders of Leeds, having fun along the way and exploring West Yorkshire’s many accessible and beautiful reservoirs.

Danielle said: “Having such beautiful and peaceful places to visit nearby and making the most of the grounding feeling these areas can offer is what has led me to encourage others to join me in -a little wander.

“The benefits of walking and socializing are well known and if you get lucky there are also cafes/ice cream vans based on some sites – bonus! We recently went to Swinsty Reservoir, had a picnic, talked, laughed and were all home for the early afternoon. Even a few hours was a real lift for the rest of the day and everyone went home smiling.

“We have just secured a small grant from Active Leeds ‘Get Set Leeds Local’ and as well as helping to subsidize travel and parking costs, we have Wander Women ‘passports’ – for every walk you take you get a stamp . Participants can add up their miles and record something special that helped make the day memorable. It feels a little more like an accomplishment that way.”

Bi-monthly walks are easily accessible and not meant to be a long and arduous task. The group also walks at a gentle pace, so you see and hear more.

Danielle added: “The dream would be to get lots of women involved and as well as having a great time, the women in the LS12 area are positively acting as role models for other areas in Leeds to either join or start their own walking group. We also talked about a night stop somewhere, although that’s a bit far!”

Active Leeds’ Karen Peck helped SHEnanigans secure the grant. She said of the scheme: “Active Leeds were really happy to support this brilliant idea – a women’s walking group that encourages people to explore the many beautiful scenic spots outside Leeds while also getting some gentle exercise.

“We really hope this group grows and gathers real momentum in supporting the wellbeing of women in the LS12 area – sounds like a lot of fun and I know that’s what SHEnanigans is all about!”

If you’re reading this, you’re a woman or anyone who identifies as a woman who lives and/or works in LS12 and you like to give it a go, join SHEnanigans Social on Facebook/Instagram and keep an eye out for their next outing. The team is also looking for anyone willing to drive/pick up others (gas expenses reimbursed).

Here’s to the LS12 Happy Wandering Women!

Sponsored content