The first post-journey interview of a series following the FareWays project, a collaboration between the Big Hoof, Running on Joy and the British Pilgrimage Trust. FareWays aims to connect people to the outdoors through long-distance journeys on foot and horse along the old ways of the UK for the benefits of their mental and physical health.

This July, our core team of four set out on a 200-mile adventure across St Columba’s Way in Scotland to raise money for the incredible work of the Venture Trust and, specifically, their new Outdoor Therapy Program, supporting the mental health of vulnerable 16 to 25 year-olds and ex service personnel. We were joined by over forty people at various points of the route, our aim being to break down what a runner, rider or hiker should look like and to open conversations around the benefits of a reciprocal relationship to nature and mindful, slow travel. 

Running on Joy has been bringing you some of these stories, along with personal reflections and interviews with patrons and collaborators. If you feel inspired, you can find out about future FareWays journeys and how to support our fundraising efforts at www.thebighoof.com/fareways. 

This episode was recorded over Zoom a week after the ride across Scotland, and is a conversation with Zoe Davison who joined us at the halfway point of the adventure. It was a great opportunity to delve more into Zoe’s own story, as well as to capture her reflections on how she was affected by her time with the 'Big Hoof gang'.

Follow Zoe: @zoe.davison

With thanks to: The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, Gravis Advisory, Fera GB and Firepot Food for their generous support of the journey across Scotland.

Image: @idabridgeman_photography

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