To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (11–16 May), colleagues from across Plowman Craven came together for a memorable team hike in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District, proving that sometimes the simplest activities, such as walking, can have the biggest impact on wellbeing. This experience highlighted the strong connection between walking and overall wellbeing, an idea often referred to as walking wellbeing.
Organised by Ross Macaulay, Head of Survey, the weekend brought together a diverse group of colleagues, all keen to swap screens for scenery and connect in a more meaningful way.
The Team Behind the Trek
Those who took part included:
Jim Gregory, Nigel Appleton, Ross Macaulay, Alex Tait, Brandon Peterkin, Laura Ryan-Bryce, Krishna Chaitanya Vadali, Ketul Patel, Damian Lee, Tim Leaming, Jamie Greenwood, Harrison Nutton, Holly Blake (Day Tripper) and Alec Day (Day Tripper, former employee).
Trek Stats
- Distance covered: ~22km
- Location: Peak District
- Start point: The Old Nag’s Head, Edale
- Key highlights: Grindsbrook Clough, Kinder Scout, Mam Tor
- Team size: 14 colleagues
A Weekend of Fresh Air and Connection
The group arrived on Friday evening, sharing a relaxed meal, before spending time planning their route using traditional Ordnance Survey maps.
Saturday began with a hearty cooked breakfast, followed by final preparations: packing day sacks, applying plenty of sun cream and making sure everyone had enough water and layers for the ever-changing conditions in the hills. The group then set off across fields and farmland towards Edale, meeting at The Old Nag’s Head, famously known as the starting point of the Pennine Way.
Climbing Higher Together
From Edale, the team began their ascent via Grindsbrook Clough, following a stream through steep, rocky terrain. At times challenging, the climb required teamwork and careful footing, but the views throughout were nothing short of spectacular.
Reaching the Kinder plateau near the summit of Kinder Scout, the group paused at a trig pillar, a particular highlight for the surveyors, before stopping for lunch. While not the absolute highest point, it was only a few metres shy and more than delivered on panoramic views.
From there, the group naturally split into smaller teams. Some headed back to secure a space at the pub, while others pushed on at pace to tick off additional trig points and take in more of the landscape, including a route towards Mam Tor. Along the way, they even encountered abandoned vehicles improbably perched high on the hills, a surprising and much-discussed sight.
In total, the full route covered approximately 22km, a significant and rewarding challenge for all involved.
More Than Just a Walk
While the physical achievement was impressive, the real value of the weekend lay in its impact on wellbeing and connection.
Jim Gregory, Managing Director Asset Management, reflected:
“Being outdoors is such an important thing for me to stay positive. It was great to spend time with colleagues outside of work and build relationships beyond Teams calls or quick conversations in the office. I felt more connected with individuals and even discovered shared hobbies.
I felt uplifted and energised, even if my legs were a bit sore!”
Holly Blake, Finance Assistant, added:
“The walk was so much fun, and we were so blessed with the weather. The combination of sunshine, nature and nice people made it an enormously uplifting and enjoyable day. It was great to meet some colleagues I hadn’t spoken to before and to build stronger connections with those I do know.
I definitely felt like part of a team, and it was especially positive to connect with colleagues from India. I felt invigorated and uplifted!”
Tim Leaming, Instrument and Monitoring Technician, shared:
“It was a positive contributor. It was lovely to be outside away from any computer or TV screen. It was also great to chat with others who I wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with.
I came away with a real sense of achievement and collaboration.”
Ending on a High Note
After the walk, the group regrouped for refreshments before making their way back through the fields to their accommodation. The evening offered a chance to unwind, some opted for an early night, while others returned to a local pub to enjoy a few drinks and live music from a local band.
The following morning, one particularly dedicated team member even headed out for a fell run before breakfast, followed by relaxed conversations and a final chance to reflect on the weekend before heading home.
Why Walking Matters
This experience perfectly reflects the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week: walking for wellbeing.
Spending time outdoors, moving your body and connecting with others can:
- Boost mood and reduce stress
- Improve physical health and energy levels
- Strengthen relationships and team cohesion
- Provide a sense of achievement and perspective
As Ross Macaulay put it ahead of the trip, the aim was simple: “a great walk, good views, and good company, topped off with a well-earned beer.“
Ross also added: “I always find walking in the fresh air rewarding mentally, I adore walking through trees and wooded areas, as much as views from up high and stunning I get a real sense of something special walking through woodland, the taller the trees the stronger the feeling, I can’t really explain it and maybe it sounds odd but that’s me!
I always feel better in myself after a walk, the longer the better, in terms of time and distance. It’s nice to talk to others, and also walk on my own, sometimes talk shop but also not.“
Looking Ahead
The success of the weekend has already sparked conversations about where next year’s adventure might take the team, a clear sign of the lasting impact it had on everyone involved.
At Plowman Craven, it’s a reminder that supporting wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated, sometimes, it starts with simply stepping outside and walking together.
