Video taken during walk (unable to attend group walk due to COVID19)
"When I arrive to the station, I recognise a few people and start chatting. It's a bright and unusually warm day and almost 40 people turn up for the walk. We set out through the park and I drift amongst people, engaging in casual conversation about the weather, current events, and details about people's lives. By this stage, a few members of the group are familiar with me and enquire after my research, giving ideas and suggestions."
(Fieldnotes 8th Feb 2020)
"We walk for an hour or so, admiring the clear blue sky and the views. I ask people what brings them to this particular Meetup group."
(Fieldnotes 8th Feb 2020)
"Walking gives me energy."
"At work I stare at a screen all day. It's good to stretch the legs and blow away the cobwebs!"
"I've got a really full-on job. This year I'm trying to make time to be outside and be around people."
"I walk mainly for the social aspect, to make connections with new people and see a bit more of the city. There's quite a few of us who are new to London so this is a good opportunity."
"We walk for three hours. Towards the end of the walk, the weather starts to turn. Luckily, Bethany has planned the route to end at the pub, so we all warm up over a drink and some food."
(Fieldnotes 8th Feb 2020)