The New Year’s Day Walk That Changed Roam & Wonder Forever

How one chilly January morning shaped our community, our systems, and the walkers who still show up today.

The story of our New Year’s Day walk begins long before January 1st. Back in spring and summer 2024, Roam & Wonder walks were tiny — just three or four of us heading out for casual recces in the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire. They were simple, informal, and full of laughter, used to plan routes for our hiking retreats and other events.

Eventually, I started inviting others along.
Then they invited others.
And before we knew it, these small walks were quietly growing into something more meaningful — a gentle, natural community built through muddy boots, shared miles, and the joy of being outdoors together.

We still had no idea who would turn up each week.
No booking system.
Just a casual Facebook group, word-of-mouth, and a “let’s see who appears” kind of vibe.

Numbers stayed small — usually 10–15 lovely humans — until New Year’s Day arrived.

The New Year’s Day That Changed It All

To welcome 2025, I planned a simple New Year’s Day walk for the handful of people who had been wandering with us over the last few months. A slow start to the year, a bit of fresh air — nothing more.

When I pulled into the car park, I noticed something strange:
cars everywhere.

People were getting out, lacing boots, wrapping up against the cold, chatting, hovering… but not starting their walk. Everyone was waiting — looking for a group leader.

And that leader was… me.

That was the moment it hit:
all these new faces were here for Roam & Wonder.

I stood there in total surprise, taking it all in. People still talk about that morning - the look on my face said everything. Some of the walkers who’ve become a core part of our community first joined us that day, and they often bring up how memorable that moment was.

It turned out the pub wasn’t expecting us either — but we bundled in and enjoyed a celebratory drink, or two!

The Walk That Told Us What Our Community Needed

That day showed, loud and clear, how much demand there was for friendly, welcoming walking groups in the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire — and how important it was to build something people could trust and rely on.

From that moment, everything changed behind the scenes.

Not to become corporate.
Not to become rigid.
But to create clarity, safety, warmth and accessibility for everyone turning up.

What Roam & Wonder Walks Became After That Day

We put in structures — not to replace the fun, but to support it.

Every single walk now includes:

– A full recce of the route
– Photos of what to expect (terrain, viewpoints, muddy bits!)
– A clear, detailed email guide
– where to park
– parking costs
– route type & distance
– difficulty level
– finishing point
– Communication with the local venue so they’re ready to welcome us
– Consideration for pace, accessibility, safety, and group needs
– A warm, supportive atmosphere for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities

This is what makes Roam & Wonder different within the world of walking groups — never in comparison or competition with anyone else, and we have huge respect for anyone getting people outdoors.

Our approach simply reflects the heart of Roam & Wonder:
connection, clarity, care, and community.

The Start of a Community We Cherish

Looking back, that New Year’s Day walk wasn’t just busy — it was pivotal.

It introduced us to some of the people who now form the heartbeat of our walking community.
It showed us what Roam & Wonder meant to others.
It pushed us to create systems that help people feel safe, informed, and welcomed.
And it marked the moment Roam & Wonder shifted from “a few walks here and there” into something with purpose, momentum, and real connection.

As we continue growing, that morning remains a favourite story — a reminder of how community grows when you least expect it, and how a simple walk can change the direction of everything.

And This Year… We’re Doing It Again

Last year’s New Year’s Day walk showed us something important:
this time of year is when some people need community the most.
Fresh air, friendly faces, something gentle to look forward to — it all matters.

So this December, we’re running three festive community walks to bring people together during a season that can feel equal parts joyful and overwhelming.

If you’d like to join us, you can book your place here.
We’d love to walk into the new year with you.

We’ve come a long way since that chilly January morning, and the community keeps growing — warm, varied, welcoming, and always up for an adventure.

If the New Year’s Day walk taught us anything, it’s this:
you never know who you’ll meet or what will unfold when you step outside.

And that’s the joy of Roam & Wonder — one step at a time.

- Hannah x