Mental Health Walking Groups Near Me: Find Your Tribe (UK Guide)
We are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic. Recent data suggests that 1 in 4 UK adults feel lonely some or all of the time. If you are reading this, you might be one of them. You might be feeling isolated, anxious, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house.
You probably typed “mental health walking groups near me” into Google hoping for a solution that doesn’t feel scary. You aren’t looking to climb Ben Nevis. You don’t want a drill sergeant. You want connection.
This guide isn’t about hiking. It is about finding your tribe. We will look at how to find low-pressure, friendly walking groups in your local area where the goal is “tea and chat,” not “peaks and cardio.”
Why Walk for Mental Health? (It’s Not Just About Fitness)
We often think of exercise as something we do to change how we look. But “Green Therapy” or ecotherapy is about changing how we feel.
According to a 2024 report by the Mental Health Foundation, 82% of UK adults agree that regular physical activity is important for their mental health. But knowing that doesn’t make it easy to start.
The “Side-by-Side” Secret
Sitting face-to-face with a stranger in a therapy room or a coffee shop can feel intense. There is pressure to make eye contact. There is pressure to fill the silence.
Walking groups use “side-by-side” communication. When you walk next to someone, looking ahead at the path or the trees, the pressure drops. Silence feels natural, not awkward. This is why peer support walking groups are so effective for social anxiety, particularly for men who might struggle to “open up” in traditional settings.
Note: You do not need to be “outdoorsy” to benefit. The simple act of moving forward physically helps your brain move forward emotionally.
Top National Organisations with Local Branches
The easiest way to find “mental health walking groups near me” is to start with the big national networks. These organisations have established safety guidelines and trained leaders, which offers peace of mind if you are nervous about safety.
1. Mental Health Mates (MHM)
Founded by journalist and author Bryony Gordon, Mental Health Mates is perhaps the most well-known peer support walking network in the UK.
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The Vibe: Completely non-judgmental. It is not about fitness; it is about “walking and talking without fear of judgment.”
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The Format: Walks are usually monthly. They meet at a clear landmark, walk for about an hour, and almost always end with a coffee.
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Who it’s for: Anyone feeling wobbly, isolated, or just in need of a friendly face.
2. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
Do not confuse this with the standard “Ramblers” hiking groups that tackle 10-mile treks. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are specifically designed for beginners and those with health conditions.
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The Vibe: Gentle, supportive, and short.
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The Format: Walks are graded. Many are just 10 to 30 minutes long on flat ground (parks, canal paths).
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Who it’s for: People recovering from illness, older adults, or anyone with anxiety about their physical fitness.
3. Men’s Walking Groups
Men often struggle to find spaces where they can be vulnerable. Fortunately, several UK organisations are changing this.
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The Proper Blokes Club: Based largely in London and the South East, this “walk and talk” group for men focuses on breaking the stigma around male mental health.
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Men Walk Talk: A charity running groups across the UK (especially in the North and Midlands) offering a safe space for guys to chat while getting fresh air.
4. Inclusive & Niche Groups
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Black Girls Hike: Provides a safe, inclusive space for Black women to explore the outdoors.
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Queer Out Here: A network for LGBTQ+ people who want to enjoy nature without feeling out of place.
How to Find Independent Local Groups (The “Hidden” Gems)
Not every group is part of a national franchise. Some of the best mental health walking groups near me are small, community-run initiatives that don’t appear on the first page of Google. Here is how you find them.
The “Search Logic” Strategy
If you just search for “hiking groups,” you will find athletic clubs that might feel intimidating. You need to use the right semantic keywords to find the “gentle” groups.
Go to Meetup.com or Facebook Groups and search for:
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“Wellness walks [Your Town]”
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“Social strollers [Your County]”
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“Slow walking group”
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“Mindfulness outdoor group”
Use the “Hub of Hope” App
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database.
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Download the app or visit the website.
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Enter your postcode.
- Filter by “Nature” or “Support Groups.”
This tool often lists small local charities that Google Maps misses.
GP Social Prescribing
The NHS is increasingly using “Green Social Prescribing.” This means a GP or link worker can refer you to a local non-clinical service to help with isolation.
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Action: Next time you speak to your GP practice, ask: “Does the practice have a Social Prescribing Link Worker? I am looking for local activity groups for my mental health.” They often have a directory of free local walks that aren’t advertised online.
The Fear of the First Walk (And How to Beat It)
Let’s be honest. The hardest part isn’t the walking. The hardest part is the worrying before you go.
“What if no one talks to me?”
“What if I’m too slow?”
“What if I have a panic attack?”
These thoughts are normal. Every single person in that group felt the exact same way on their first day.
Vibe Check: Is this group for me?
Before you commit, look at the group’s photos on social media to judge the “Vibe.”
| Feature | Hiking Group (Avoid if anxious) | Wellbeing Group (Join!) |
| Footwear | Everyone is wearing expensive leather boots. | Mix of trainers, comfortable shoes, and wellies. |
| Terrain | Steep hills, rocky paths, mud. | Flat parks, pavements, canal towpaths. |
| Pace | “Brisk,” “Fast,” keeping up is key. | “At the pace of the slowest,” “Gentle.” |
| Focus | Distance, speed, conquering peaks. | Chatting, fresh air, coffee afterwards. |
My Pro-Tip: The Pre-Meet Text
If the idea of walking up to a group of strangers makes you feel sick, do not just “hope for the best.” Take control.
Find the contact email or Facebook messenger for the Walk Leader. Send them this message:
“Hi, I’m thinking of joining the walk on Saturday. I’ve been struggling with some anxiety lately and I’m a bit nervous about turning up on my own. Is it okay if I say hello to you first when I arrive?”
99% of leaders in mental health groups will reply instantly. They might offer to meet you at the bus stop or the car park entrance 5 minutes early. This means you walk into the group with someone, rather than walking at them.
What to Expect: A Walkthrough of Your First Session
Removing the unknown reduces the fear. Here is typically what happens at a peer support walk.
1. The Arrival (The “Circle of Awkwardness”)
Most groups meet in a car park or outside a cafe. People will be standing in a loose circle. It might feel awkward for about three minutes. The leader will usually do a quick briefing: “Welcome everyone, we are walking for about 45 minutes today, no one gets left behind.”
2. The Walk
As the group moves off, the “pack” naturally shuffles. You will find yourself walking next to someone. The conversation usually starts simply: “Have you been to this group before?” or “Good weather for it.”
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The Golden Rule: You do not have to talk about your mental health. You can talk about TV, football, or the dogs you see. Or you can say nothing. It is all allowed.
3. The “Afters”
This is often the most important part. The group will head to a cafe. This is where the real community building happens. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can skip this part on your first week. But if you can stay, grab a tea. You’ll realise that everyone there is just looking for connection, same as you.
FAQs
Do I have to talk about my mental health on the walk?
Absolutely not. While these groups are “mental health friendly,” they are not group therapy sessions. Many people chat about normal, everyday things. The point is simply being in a supportive environment where you can talk if you want to.
What if I’m too unfit or slow for the group?
Look for “Wellbeing Walks” or “Social Strolls.” These groups explicitly state they walk at the pace of the slowest person. Many walks have a “tail walker”—a volunteer whose job is to stay at the back so nobody is ever last.
Are these walking groups free?
Yes, the vast majority of peer support groups (like Mental Health Mates and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks) are completely free. Some independent groups might ask for a small donation (£1-£2) to cover insurance or website costs, but this is rare.
Can I bring my dog?
Usually, yes! Dogs are great ice-breakers. However, always check the specific walk description first, as some routes might go through fields with livestock where dogs aren’t allowed.
What should I wear for a wellbeing walk?
You don’t need expensive gear. Comfortable trainers and a waterproof jacket are the UK standard. If the description mentions “muddy paths,” old trainers or walking boots are better.
Is there an age limit?
Most mental health walking groups are open to all adults (18+). You will often find a diverse mix of ages, from people in their 20s to retirees. This intergenerational mix is often part of the charm.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Since the pandemic, many groups prefer you to book a free slot (via Meetup or Eventbrite) so they can manage numbers. Always check their social media page for the latest “Meet Instructions” before leaving the house.
Summary
You have options. Whether you choose a national network like Mental Health Mates or a small local “Wellness Walk” you found on the Hub of Hope, the resource is there.
The hardest step is literally the first one out the front door. The anxiety will try to talk you out of it. It will tell you to stay in bed. But remember: you are not joining an army march. You are joining a group of people who understand exactly how hard it was for you to turn up.
Ready to start?
Open a new tab right now. Type in Mental Health Mates + Your Town. Just look at the next date. You don’t have to commit yet—just look. That is your first step.
About the Author
In the context of mental health, one of the key focuses is on well-being and mindfulness. Just as walking in groups can help alleviate social anxiety, regular health monitoring of pets, like checking Is your cat breathing fast? if your cat is breathing fast, can also be a part of ensuring their physical well-being. Fast breathing in cats can indicate stress or health problems, and keeping track of such signs can be crucial for their overall health, much like how mental health walking groups offer support for those experiencing anxiety or other emotional struggles.