“It is He who made the earth tame for you, so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision.” (Quran 67:15)
The mums arrive in open countryside, tired already and facing a long walk. The trek asks for patience rather than speed. It is a chance to talk, to notice and to keep going.
| When | Where | The heart of it |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30am to 10:15am | Countryside near the course | A long walk at the pace of the slowest |
The route
The walk is about three miles, over roughly an hour and a half. It follows paths through woodland and fields, with some gentle hills. The route does not need to be anything special. Any good public footpath or bridleway near the course will do.
Walk the route beforehand, time it and note any hazards. Choose a route that avoids busy roads, deep water and railway crossings. If a railway crossing cannot be avoided, plan it with great care. Cross promptly, never stop on the line and wait if a train is near.
Check that you have permission for any private land, and that gates, stiles and livestock are manageable. Carry a map and a route card, and share both with the course venue.
Before setting off, check:
- weather and ground conditions for the day;
- water for everyone, plus spare;
- dates and light snacks;
- a first-aid kit, foil blankets and a charged phone;
- the route card, left with someone at the course.
If the weather turns or the group is flagging, cut the route short. A shorter walk finished well is worth more than a longer one that goes wrong.
Walking together
Let the slowest mum set the pace, and keep each group together.
The lead walker sets the pace at the front, and a back marker watches for anyone struggling. Both carry a phone and know the route. Count the group at every stop, gate and stile.
The groups do not need to stay in a line. Some may be a little ahead, and others behind. Each guide stays with her own group.
Themes for the walk
Guides can offer one or two ideas as they walk, but the best talk comes from space and silence.
The urgency of moving. Many refugees move in narrow windows of opportunity, such as a border opening or a break in the weather. They cannot set their own pace. Ask the mums what it is like to walk when stopping is not an option.
Beauty and fear. The countryside may be lovely. Ask the mums to notice it. Then ask what it would be like to walk through such a place when you were afraid and did not know what lay ahead.
Moving together. If someone flags, the group slows. That decision to stay together is itself part of what the challenge means.
Looking after yourselves
A long walk on little sleep can be hard. Remind the mums to sip water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. Check feet for rubbing and treat it early.
Shivering, slurred speech, grey lips and sudden silence are the signs of cold. Respond with a foil blanket, a hot drink and a rest, and call the first aider if she does not improve.
Reflection questions
You might offer these as the walk goes on:
- What is the hardest part of this for you?
- What keeps you moving when you want to stop?
- Who has helped you today without being asked?
The course comes into view. The easy part is over.