The experiences of long distance walking: A case study of the West Highland Way in Scotland

Breejen, Lysiane den

doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2006.12.004

Cited by 80 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…As Participant 3 stated, "at the end of the walk you were on such a high that you had gone through all that [hardship] and achieved it really...I think if there hadn't been highs and lows, you know, you wouldn't enjoy the highs so much if there wasn't a few lows." Previous work has shown challenging aspects to be key motives for long distance walkers (Den Breejen, 2007). You know, that was when I was at the lowest point, getting lost, because you just…that's probably the hardest part of the challenge in a way.…”

Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most participants also commented on the uplifting scenic beauty and wildlife that characterized the routes. The term being close to nature, was used in the present and previous work (Den Breejen, 2007) to describe this aspect of the experience.…”

Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To get up and know you are doing this every day, I felt better and better each day I walked. Previous research (Den Breejen, 2007) found that two of the most important reasons for walking the West Highland Way were to get away from the daily routine and relax mentally. Switching off from technology and responsibilities was reported as a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience, which resulted in clearer thinking and a subjective sense of well-being.…”

Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The work of Den Breejen (2007) is important as it begins the process of understanding the experiences of long distance walkers. While the in situ diary method that was used provided some insights, it is evident that the quantitative approach only allowed a somewhat limited understanding of what is likely to be a complex subjective experience.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Walking the Walk: A Phenomenological Study of Long Distance Walking

Crust

Keegan

Piggott

et al. 2011

Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

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Evidence suggests that regular walking can elicit significant psychological benefits, although little evidence exists concerning long distance walking. The purpose of this study was to provide detailed accounts of the experiences of long distance walkers. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with six long distance walkers. Data were transcribed verbatim before researchers independently analyzed the transcripts. Participants reported a cumulative effect with positive feelings increasing throughout the duration of the walk. Long distance walking elicited positive emotions, reduced the effects of life-stress, and promoted an increased sense of well-being and personal growth. Results are aligned to theories and concepts from positive psychology. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. AbstractEvidence suggests that regular walking can elicit significant psychological benefits although little evidence exists concerning long distance walking. The purpose of this study was to provide detailed accounts of the experiences of long distance walkers. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with six long distance walkers. Data were transcribed verbatim before researchers independently analyzed the transcripts. Participants reported a cumulative effect with positive feelings increasing throughout the duration of the walk. Long distance walking elicited positive emotions, reduced the effects of life-stress, and promoted an increased sense of well-being and personal growth. Results are aligned to theories and concepts from positive psychology.Keywords: Flow, personal growth, positive psychology, well-being.Running head: LONG DISTANCE WALKING 3 Walking has consistently been reported as the most popular outdoor recreational activity in the United Kingdom (Kay & Moxham, 1998; Office for National Statistics, 2003).As well as being popular as a recreational activity, walking programs that are characterized by moderate levels of intensity have been shown to be among the most effective interventions when used to promote physical activity and adherence to exercise (Hillsdon, Foster, Naidoo, & Crombie, 2003). Regular walking of a moderate to vigorous intensity has been shown to benefit both cardiovascular and psychological health (Morgan, Tobar, & Snyder, 2010).Psychological benefits include improved sense of well-being, more positive (i.e., vigor) and less negative (i.e., tension, depression) feelings and mood states and enhanced self-esteem (Barton, Hine, & Pretty, 2009;Biddle & Mutrie, 2008).Most walking research has evaluated the effects of programs on physical activity and health outcomes, and have employed walking to either treat mental (i.e., depression or anxiety disorders) or physical (i.e., cardiac rehabilitation) health conditions. However, in psychology in particular, focus has begun to shift away from simply treating or alleviating mental illness to studying and understanding positive human functioning and flourishing. Achieving good mental health comprises not only the absence of illness, but also self...

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Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: During the Walkmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Walking the Walk: A Phenomenological Study of Long Distance Walking

Crust

Keegan

Piggott

et al. 2011

Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

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“…Waitt, Gill, & Head, 2009). Others consider the less routine practices such as those undertaken by tourists (Sarmento, 2016), artistic and performative interventions, (Edensor, 2000;Phillips, 2005;Ramsden, 2016) and long distance walking (den Breejen 2007;Olafsdottir, 2013;Slavin, 2003). In these irregular practices the walker encounters some aspects that are unfamiliar and outside their mundane experience.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Taking a hike: exploring leisure walkers embodied experiences

Stevenson

Farrell

2017

Social & Cultural Geography

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This paper uses walk along interviewing to investigate embodied experiences of walking on the South Downs Way, a long distance trail in southern England.Using a qualitative methodology -encompassing 93 walk-along interviews and auto-ethnographic reflections of two walker/researchers -it explores how walkers conceptualise their own walking experiences and captures this information while they are walking. It contributes to and extends the emerging body of literature which explores people's experience, specifically aiming to develop a deeper understanding of leisure walking experiences in the dynamic space of the walk.It examines a range of bodily sensations and emotional states associated with the leisure walking experience in the context of temporal and environmental aspects, identifying those feelings that are innate and those which are mediated by external conditions. Current experiences intertwine with memories of other places and times in a process where connections are made between mind, body, the immediate physical environment, self and others, and disconnections from everyday life and the wider environment. These connections and disconnections create a sense of perspective, achievement and well-being.

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When the Process is the Destination

Mau,

Roessler

2024

The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Tourism

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The experiences of long distance walking: A case study of the West Highland Way in Scotland

Cited by 80 publications

References 37 publications

Walking the Walk: A Phenomenological Study of Long Distance Walking

Walking the Walk: A Phenomenological Study of Long Distance Walking

Taking a hike: exploring leisure walkers embodied experiences

When the Process is the Destination

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