“Bringing people together is what I call ‘ubuntu,’ which means ‘I am because we are.’ Far too often people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” Desmond Tutu
It's been a hot minute since I introduced myself and with having a wonderful increase in subscribers (hello!) recently, I thought I would reintroduce you all to my little walking group, Cornish Ramblings.
Do you know Cornish Ramblings is a walking group?
If you are here accidentally then please, stick around, keep reading...you'll absolutely want to find out more about why joining a walking group is probably the best decision you could make today.
If you are here on purpose, welcome and please keep reading to find out more about joining Cornish Ramblings, who the heck Jody is, and why/how Cornish Ramblings evolved...
I am your leader.
Hello, my name is Jody and I am an avid hiker, dog cuddler, sea-swimming, chocolate-eating, blog-writing, serial-series-binger, wannabe travel writer, Cornwall addict Cornish maid who takes folks for rambles across Cornwall in her spare time.
When not working Monday to Friday, you will find me leading people (and dogs) on rambles across the width and breadth of our beloved county. There isn’t a corner of Cornwall we won’t explore, from one end to the other, eventually our walking boots will touch it all.
Established in Cornwall, 2016.
Cornish Ramblings was born of a need to explore further afield, with the desire to meet like-minded people. Cornish Ramblings was founded by me back in March 2016 after realising I’d been walking the same paths and routes over and over again.
On becoming bored of the monotony, I decided to build on my confidence of walking in new locations, whilst finding a way to meet people who were as keen as me to get out there and have an adventure on foot across Cornwall.
It will be seven years in March (2023) since I started Cornish Ramblings. We’ve come a long way since those early novice days of sharing a "do you want to come for a walk with me" post over on Facebook. Now, we have a fully established website- built and designed by myself - with over 3000 mailing list subscribers, a well-read blog, a decent-sized following on social media, some yummy collaborations with local and aligned brands and businesses, and every single ramble I organise gets fully booked within an inch of its life - it really is a remarkable thing.
Cornish Ramblings is my baby, my biggest achievement and proudest creation and it's all thanks to you, my ramblers, who are always there, just a few steps behind me, supporting, encouraging, loving, and making Cornish Ramblings what it is today.
Admittedly, it’s hard work. Between juggling a full-time job and a hectic personal life, as well as my mental health which ebbs and flows from month to month, a busy social life whilst also needing to factor in regular alone time when my social battery gets full, and everything else that comes with being an adult, fitting Cornish Ramblings around it all can sometimes be overwhelming.
But when my newsletters go out and the emails come flooding in from enthusiastic ramblers (new and regular) wanting to book on a walk, and the smiling faces of those on a ramble beam at me whilst we are out there on the paths and trails, and the friends I have made from my rambles send me encouraging and loving messages on a regular basis, and I see the friendships formed because of my little community...the blood, sweat, and (many) tears make it all worthwhile.
Read the full (longwinded!) story of how and why I started Cornish Ramblings by clicking the below button...
Joining a ramble.
Booking onto a ramble is fairly straightforward but if you are new, may I please direct you to my Rambling 411 blog for a nitty gritty detailed look at how you can join us. It really is simple, promise!
However, I am always keen to make your first transition into a walking group an easy one so if you have any questions, please reach out!
Find your tribe.
"I wanted to walk with a group of varying ages and abilities and Cornish Ramblings hits the spot. I did my first walk today around a very blustery St Agnes beacon. It was just fabulous to be out again with such a friendly group and their beautiful dogs too! Well done Jody on such an innovative idea." - Annie, a Cornish Rambler.
Cornish Ramblings has brought together like-minded folks from all over the county, and beyond. Walking together has created such a wholesome community, online and in person, with friendships and adventures popping up all over the place.
Walking groups are particularly great for those nervous about walking lesser-trodden paths. Not only will you find people with common interests, but there will also be someone to offer words of encouragement when navigating a steep incline! Always a blessing when you need a hand over a slippery stile or a push in the right direction if you're feeling a tad weary.
Within Cornish Ramblings, many new friendship groups have formed which has encouraged more people to head out for a walk more often than they may have done before. I love nothing more than being tagged in posts on social media by those who have formed friendships on a ramble and continued their adventures outside of the group.
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”― Anais Nin
Thinking back to our adventures together brings me so much joy. But it’s not just the walks that make me joyful. It’s seeing the friendships that have blossomed between my ramblers, it’s knowing my walking group is creating opportunities for people to see more of their county, and it’s inspiring many to go for a walk. Every ramble is filled with laughter, kindness, and camaraderie - it’s flipping fantastic! I am truly humbled and blessed by the people I have met, the friendships I have made, and the rambling (and swimming!) buddies I have created.
You can read more testimonials from those who have rambled with us here: Positive Vibes Only
Why Join Cornish Ramblings?
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
Joining a walking group that suits you can not only be rewarding and fun, but also life-changing, and even life-saving. Here are a few reasons why I think a walking group like Cornish Ramblings could suit many of you looking for a new way to see the outdoors...
1. There's no stress about navigation
You don’t have to rely on finding your way around a route when you have a walk leader doing it for you.
2. Common interest
There’ll be people joining the group for the same reasons you are, whether it’s to get outside more often, meet new people or get fitter.
3. Commitment
The thought of walking 16km could easily put you off. But when you’ve committed to going, you’re more likely to stick with it. Especially if the group is heading to a place you’ve always wanted to visit but never quite had the courage to go alone.
4. Distraction
When you’re with a crowd of people adventuring around a new place, or discussing last week’s episode of Love Island with your new walking buddy, you can easily cover more ground without even realising you’ve done so.
5. Encouragement
The hill looming ahead of you has put a mental barrier up, you’re ready to turn and walk back the way you came, when suddenly, a fellow walker is beside you, giving you the encouragement and support that you.
6. Friendship
See the previous chapter!
Not only is it a great opportunity to see more of Cornwall, but it's also a wholesome method of getting fitter and healthier, all whilst having a lot of fun in the process.
I'd also recommend taking a good look at our website which is full of blogs, testimonials, and who we have worked with and continue to partner with. And please check out the Cornish Ramblings Instagram page which will give you a fun snapshot of what the group and I get up to and what you can expect on a ramble!
See you soon...I hope!
Has that inspired you to join Cornish Ramblings for a walk?! Pop across to our website to find out more, and be sure to sign up for the regular newsletter whilst you’re there.
I also share content daily on our social media channels so be sure to follow Cornish Ramblings on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with the latest.
I hope to see you soon. And if you happen across me whilst on your walks, be sure to come and say hello. Usually, Purdy is the one everyone recognises (and I don't blame them) so don't be shy, come over and say hey and let's have a chinwag.
❤️ Jody