Join our Anxiety-Friendly Hike in the Peak District
We know that for many women, the idea of joining a group walk can feel daunting – especially if it’s your first time meeting people in person. If that sounds familiar, this October’s anxiety-friendly hike could be a gentle and supportive way to take that first step.
Taking place on Sunday 5th October 2025 in the beautiful Peak District, this one-day event is for women who experience anxiety and haven’t been to an in-person Adventure Queens event before. You might already be part of our online community, or you might be brand new to us – either way, you’ll be welcomed into a kind, understanding group.
We’ll start at 9.30am and finish at around 4.30pm, giving us a full but relaxed day together in nature.
Before we meet in person, you’ll be invited to join:
- An optional Zoom session to meet your walk leader, ask questions, and know what to expect on the day
- A friendly WhatsApp group so you can connect with others and ease those pre-event nerves
On the day itself, we’ll walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of rest stops, focusing on encouragement rather than distance or speed. Along the way, there’ll be gentle invitations to pause, notice the landscape, and take a breath – nothing pressured, just small moments to help you feel grounded and at ease.
You’ll be in a small group, supported by a trained walk leader who is experienced in facilitating and supporting groups with diverse needs and backgrounds, and an assistant who is a wilderness therapeutic practitioner and trainee therapist. When we finish our walk, you’ll be treated to a free cuppa and cake – a chance to relax, reflect, and celebrate what you’ve achieved.
Who this is for
Women aged 18 or over who experience anxiety and would like a safe, gentle first step into the outdoors with Adventure Queens.
You do not need to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder to apply – this walk is open to anyone for whom anxiety has been a barrier to attending similar groups and events.
Costs and support
Thanks to a subsidy from YHA’s Festival of Walking, the only cost to you is a £5 commitment fee. Travel bursaries are available for those on low incomes, so please don’t let cost stop you from applying.
What you might gain
Our hope is that you’ll leave the day feeling:
- More confident about spending time outdoors
- Proud of doing something outside your comfort zone
- Connected to others who understand your challenges
- Inspired to join more Adventure Queens walks or local outdoor groups
After the hike, you’ll be invited to stay in touch with your fellow walkers and join the wider Adventure Queens community – a nationwide network of women supporting each other to get outdoors.
Apply now
Spaces are limited to 10 participants. We’ll select people based on how much they might benefit from this experience at this point in their lives.
Applications close 10th September, and successful applicants will be contacted by 14th September.
👉 Apply here