We don’t always need a map.
Sometimes what we really need is someone to walk beside us and say, “This way’s fine. Let’s take our time.”
That’s what gentle guidance is — not shouting from the front, not dragging you up a hill, but walking with you, at your pace, with calm and care.
Being led doesn’t mean being less
A lot of us carry old ideas about leadership — that it has to be loud, commanding, or always in control. But in the hills, as in life, some of the best guidance is quiet. It comes from knowing the ground, reading the weather, and paying attention to the person next to you.
Being gently led means you don’t have to be in charge of everything. You don’t need to know the route, the pace, or the perfect gear. You can rest a little in the company of someone who’s thought it through, and is ready to adapt when things shift.
It’s about feeling safe enough to take up space
When someone else is holding the structure, you’re free to focus on the experience — the ground under your boots, the rhythm of your breath, the view as it opens up. You’re not worrying about keeping up or making decisions. You’re simply walking.
That kind of support can feel rare, especially for those who are usually the ones doing the holding — parents, carers, people in demanding roles. Out here, it’s your turn.
Guidance can look like waiting when you need to pause
It might be noticing when you need a break. It might be letting silence stretch for a while. It might be checking the wind direction and deciding we’ll have our flask out of the wind. It’s not dramatic — just thoughtful, consistent, kind.
It’s the kind of leading that helps people feel held, not hurried.
Everyone needs guiding sometimes
Even the most experienced walkers sometimes need someone else to take the lead — to walk alongside them, to carry the weight for a while, or to help them remember what they already know. There’s no shame in that.
In fact, being gently led can be one of the most freeing things we allow ourselves.
If you’d like to walk with someone who’ll guide without pushing, who’ll hold space without filling it, and who’ll help you feel more at home on the trail — I’d love to hear from you.
Julie
Want to know how that support actually works in practice? Here’s what to expect from a coaching walk →
If you’re finding your way back to walking, this might help →
Leave a Reply