WalkingWomen is about making wonderful walks more accessible - whatever one's current budget and level of fitness! It has grown from small beginnings in 2000 to involve quite a few differently talented women who tell you about themselves on this page. However, it has also been shaped by the rich contributions of all the women who come on the holidays - funny, enthusiastic, generous, fascinating, friendly, and all so widely different! You make it special for us. Thank you!

Diana Clarke

Believe it or not, I used to complain about "going to admire the view on Wimbledon common!" as a child, and only came to love walking and mountains when I lived in Crete for a year. Later, I'd roam the Lakes and Snowdonia to survive the pressures of work, loving walking with other women - or on my own if friends couldn't get away. So, when I needed a change in my life after 8 years working as a homeopath, it seemed like a natural progression to set up WalkingWomen. And still the walking keeps me sane - well, almost!

WalkingWomen Office Manager

We need to get new photos of Emma & Sandra to add here. Emma & Sandra have replaced Billy the cat as office manager over the past 6 months! They will now answer all your calls and emails between 09.00 and 17.30. The early evening and Saturday mornings are covered by Diana if she is not away running a holiday. Billy, meanwhile is still around - keeping an eye on things - usually from his vantage point next to the mouse!

Madeline Holloway

I am a freelance ecologist, and my current work involves the protection of water voles, badgers, bats and birds. I have always loved natural history - listening to the song of different birds, hunting for orchids, discovering what is on 'our doorstep' if we know what to look for, or walking in the fells in search of wildlife rarities. At other times I love music, especially jazz and playing the piano! And if there are badgers about - I'll enjoy finding them!

Sue Beardon

I am a seasoned hill walker and have walked extensively in Britain, as well as in Europe, the Himalayas, and the Andes. I lead holidays for HF Walking Holidays and I love to share my enthusiasm for wild and beautiful places with other women. When I'm not walking, I can sing a mean blues and I've a wild sense of humour!

Fran Loots

I've enjoyed walking and running in the hills for as long as I can remember -  some say, since seeing the Sound of Music... I've lived in Scotland most of my adult life, and love her mountains - in particular the truly wild feel of the Cairngorms. After a few years bringing up young children, I re-found my hill legs here. My body and soul were desperate for more activity. So, I did my mountain leader training and set up Breathing Space - which uses the outdoors as a medium for training in leadership skills and personal development. I have worked with women on many issues over the years and love the friendship and support they can give to each other. So here I am - delighted to be working alongside WalkingWomen! http://www.lootslimited.co.uk

Yvonne Hosker

Hosker Even though for over 30 years I've walked in mountains in many parts of the world, I still feel most at home in the Lakes and Peaks. I've lived or worked in Cumbria at various times too. Now, as a freelance facilitator, I work a lot with countryside organisations. I tend to stop on walks to look at flowers, birds etc. Looking forward to more UK holidays in 2005 but also the big mountains, lakes and forests of the Alps in August.

Sarah Rycroft

I am a Manchester based Landscape Designer, and I take every opportunity to get up into the hills around Manchester with the local Manchester Walking Women group. I love the outdoors and will try not to bore everyone with my enthusiasm for the environment, tree identification tests & inaccurate wildlife and bird spotting! I wasn't born in Manchester but I find it hard to leave as the city has all the advantages of proximity to the Lakes, Wales & the Peak district, whilst having all the city life that is so hard to resist.

Heidi Schaefer

My namesake I think introduced me to a love of mountains. Heidi was my favourite book as a child! I didn't really start walking in them though until my early 20's and I have never looked back since. I love all hills and mountains no matter where they are but I particularly love the Alps with their meadows, cow bells, mountain huts and rocky tops, but I promise I won't make you sing that song about the hills being alive!

Gillian Lane

My love of hill walking started as a way to relieve the stress of a busy job as a midwife and has grown immensely over the last ten years. I have walked all over Ireland & in many other parts of the world, but I am most excited that I finally have the opportunity to share Kerry's beautiful mountains with other like minded women (& hopefully Irish Toffee Apple Cake too!).

Sue Penn

I have worked variously as an ecologist and a teacher. I've always enjoyed walking and scrambling in mountains and wild areas, from Chile to the Lake District and Scotland, so I took it further and got my Mountain Leadership qualification. Walking with women allows women to share good company and to gain confidence in their own skills.

Marian Sutton

I have always loved to travel and been fascinated by nature. After some years working as a photographer I returned to university to study for a degree in Earth Sciences, and an MSc. in Biodiversity and Conservation. Living in Yorkshire gives me easy access to the Lake District, Scotland and North Wales, each with their own charms and hidden depths. My travels in the Spanish-speaking world began in 1992 when I first visited the Canary Islands, thus began an obsession with the archipelago, and the lands of the Americas beyond.

Diane Pickering

My love of the outdoors started at the tender age of 11 when I was a Girl Guide! I progressed from walking to mountaineering, gaining my Summer Mountain Leader Award on the way. I now spend a good deal of my free time walking and climbing in North Wales, the Lake District, the Peak District and Scotland. My mountaineering abroad has included the Alps, the Dolomites and the High Tatras. I have also trekked in Corsica, the Indian and Nepal Himalaya. As well as walking women, I lead for World Challenge Expeditions. All of this keeps me sane while engaged in my full time job of imparting the delights of Science to enthralled teenagers.

Lorraine Roberts

I have spent the past 20 years nuturing my dual personality by living in the city and escaping to the mountains of North Wales, Lake District and Scotland whenever possible. As a founder member of a London-based walking group, I have led groups of women on walks in the South East and organised weekend trips further afield. In the past few years I have discovered the delights of European mountains including the Alps, Pyranees and in Greece.

Barbara Hamilton

As a child I was very resistant to the 'route marches' I was forced to take with my family but I now count myself very lucky to have finally discovered the joys of walking - the best reward for mind, body and soul.    I run my own company and organise walks for women in my spare time - a great balance to the pressures of 'business'.   I will walk anywhere from the streets of London to the wilds of Scotland!

Raffa Carzaniga

I was born in Milan, and am Italian, though I have now lived in England for 8 years. I love skiing - it is one of my passions, and I first learnt to ski in Italy at the age of 5. I also have a passion for bugs and their secret life (I am a biologist most of the time!), photography, and the arts. In the past I guided for WWF in Italy. I love caring about people and sharing adventures, and look forward to sharing another fun WW skiing holiday with you!

Ros Townsend

My love of walking developed slowly from simple walks into adventurous scrambles and then into rock climbing. Whatever the level, the feeling of freedom, independence, and of being at one with nature is very special. It refreshes the soul - you remember to laugh again and enjoy life. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my favourite places in the Cape with you - not least the Garden Route with its magnificent mountains and river gorges, cliffs and golden beaches...!

Marcelle Cassar

Initially walking was an antidote to the pressures of work but soon developed into a passion in its own right. Nothing equals the feeling of freedom & oneness with nature as when out on a mountain in all weathers. Sharing that experience with other women is both a pleasure & privilege. Join me & feel it for yourself.

Sally Haycock

Bored with being a scientific genius, I decided to become a woman of leisure instead which has given me ample opportunity to indulge my love for exploring the wilder areas of the UK on foot and occasionally on horseback. I am at present training to become a Peak District National Park Ranger and look forward to showing you round my stomping ground in 2006.

Polly Sullivan

After spending many years travelling up and down the M6 from the Midlands, I finally made the decision to move to the Lake District 3 years ago. I have not regretted one moment of it. By day I am a Sales Ledger Clerk, for the rest of the time I can be found on the fells. I run, walk, climb, and cycle. I hunt fungi and wildlife watch. I am never happier than when I am in the hills, and if I can share that passion with other people I am happy. This will be my first year leading with Walking Women and I am really looking forward to it. I could not think of a better way to spend my time.

Jo Meredith

Colourful careers in town and country planning, landscape conservation and bookselling behind me, I can now indulge more in walking and enjoying the Right to Roam for which my parents campaigned (my father was on the Kinder Trespass!) Lots of time now for lively conversation and polishing up various skills such as natural history (not bad), Scrabble (good) and tea shop critic (excellent).

Caroline Gillies

I started college as an art student and progressed into photojournalism. I used to work for the English Tourist Board so I've been everywhere in England and think our incredibly varied countryside is difficult to beat. And the stunning Lakeland scenery certainly offers the opportunity for both wonderful walks and great photographs!

Linda Prince

Linda has much experience of trekking in Nepal and speaks Nepali even though she lives in the UK. Her experience comes partly from giving medical support to climbing expeditions as a nurse and a climber herself (Linda is ex-army medical corps). Until recently, she was also part of a UK response team helping out in disaster situations worldwide. More to the point on this trek, she has plenty of experience with treating blisters or helping prevent them in the first place! She has a dry sense of humour and was much loved on the first Int Nepal trip last year.

Sue Mitchell

I am based in Northumberland and having worked as a teacher for 18 years, I am now changing career and following my heart. I love the outdoors and whether I walk, run, climb, ride, ski, paddle, sail or cycle, the pleasure I experience is sometimes almost indescribable. I consider myself extremely fortunate to find such happiness in the "wilds". An enjoyment of the natural environment and attaining personal goals is something that I look forward to helping women achieve.

Sara Bull

Out in the hills, immersed in nature is where I feel most at home. The natural outdoors is an incredibly powerful tool, aesthetically pleasing and therapeutically beneficial. As a freelance outdoor instructor/ expedition leader I have been fortunate to run many personal development courses and to trek in the UK, New Zealand, Vietnam, Austria, Switzerland and Norway. I have also travelled independently and am always planning my next challenge. I passionately believe that whether embarking on a low level ramble or challenging yourself on a more difficult route, the outdoors is there for everyone.

Anita Grey

I have been working in the Great Outdoors, both in my beloved home of Snowdonia, and worldwide, for 25 years. I have run team building, confidence building and management training, for all levels and ages, including women's groups. I also teach The Alexander Technique, and believe that learning takes place when we are at ease and having fun! I also run a funky Bed and Breakfast in Llanberis - www.surfsister.co.uk (IML - International Mountain Leader)

Pam Satterthwaite

I grew up in the Lake District and Northumberland and have always enjoyed the countryside. I love travelling and walking, both of which are a great antidote to my busy working life in social work. As a member of a walking group based in the northeast, I lead walks throughout the region. I look forward to sharing this beautiful and relatively undiscovered area with lots of walking women.

Sue Stennett

One of my greatest passions is to gently amble through the hills. A great pleasure is to walk with other women. Taking time to just be, talk; take in the scenery, and even perhaps making the odd tai chi stretch and shape! Having spent many years working in the NHS (yes driving through 28 sets of traffic lights daily) I am now a freelance consultant, and can indulge in my passion. So to get my boots on, and tramp in those wonderful Lakeland fells is bliss. I am delighted to work with WalkingWomen, and look forward to sharing our passions, pleasure and the essential associated activities (tea, cake, talk, stillness and laughter) with you.

Jo Jeays

My initial move to Shropshire was work related. At the time, I only knew the county from driving to Wales. Then 5 years ago I moved into the Shropshire hills, having developed a love for the walking and the rich industrial heritage of the area. My regular dog walk now gives me a "wow" moment as I look across the Cheshire plain and over the Welsh borders. It feels very privileged and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Barbara Bailey

I grew up in London but am a country girl at heart. I try to escape to the hills or the low level walks of my adopted Suffolk countryside as much as possible, especially after a stressful week working in the NHS. Come rain or come shine, it doesn't matter, there is nothing like it on earth especially when shared with new friends!

Jo Cound

Jo guided the photography walks for WW years ago on one of the Piedmont holidays. She now lives and works as a photographer in Perthshire, specializing in photographs of the natural world. You can see her website on www.jocound.co.uk

Brenda Whisker

Walking - whether it be mountains, valleys, moorland or woods -I love it all and have been doing it for many years. Walking for me is not just about physical exercise; it's about good company, conversations, fun, time to observe, breathe deep and relax. Living in the South Pennines, I love exploring its open moors, deep cut valleys, geological history and rich industrial heritage too.

Rosie Jeffries

Rosie was an honorary walkingwoman since WalkingWomen first started. She is the artist who painted many the wonderful humerous pictures on this website which give it so much of its flavour. She captured the spirit of WalkingWomen and in the process helped to shape it. Very very sadly Rosie died of cancer on November 15th 2001. She is still terribly missed. Her last pictures for WalkingWomen were painted shortly before she died. She loved doing them as she loved all she did in her rich life. The Malvern Hills and the Gower Peninsular were her favourite places, but here she is communing with a horse near Rydal Water - where she shows what a talented horse-whisperer she also was!

Sarah Burt

Sarah is the artist who has painted all the newer pictures that have appeared on the site since Rosie died. She is also a walking woman and has come on many holidays. Many thanks to Sarah for her wonderful humourous paintings which have managed to maintain the style of the original site.