Walking is a way of life around here. It’s how we get from one place to another. How we get our exercise, connect with friends and family, and get caught up on our favorite podcasts. How we reset our mind and boost our overall health. And it’s how we find our happiness, no matter if we’re walking inside our home, down our neighborhood streets, through a trail in the woods, or off the beaten path. And with the thousands of women who have felt the life-changing benefits right along with us, it’s no wonder that walking has inspired many to write about their experiences.
We’ve compiled a list of 11 great books about walking. They walk us through history, take us on their journeys, tell us stories, and provide inspiration that we hope will inspire you to keep moving forward, step by step.
How to Walk by Thich Nhat Hanh: For those starting a walking habit or those more seasoned, you’ll learn the essentials of a mindfulness practice, and how to focus on in-and-out breaths to help you be more present, lessen depression, recapture wonder, and express gratitude.
Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews: Follow the stories of ten women who, over the past 300 years, have been profoundly impacted by walking. You’ll get a captivating view of the history of walking and experience their journey through the eyes of Elizabeth Carter, Nan Shepherd, and Cheryl Strayed.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery: This is the story of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as to walk it multiple times after the age of 65. Nicknamed Grandma Gatewood, she not only became a hiking celebrity, but also brought public attention to the Appalachian Trail.
Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain by Andrew McCarthy: Join Andrew McCarthy and his son, Sam, as they set out to walk 500 miles across the Camino de Santiago in Spain in an effort to not only build long-lasting memories, but also to connect with one another in a way they had never experienced.
A Walk In The Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh by Dr. Joseph Parent: Who’s better to teach us the lesson of slowing down and being present than our favorite bear, Pooh. You’ll be inspired and guided through simple stories, easy exercises and helpful tools to help you on your path to a more calm way of living.
Walk Your Way to Better: 99 Walks That Will Change Your Life by Joyce Shulman: You won’t just want to read this book, you’ll want to live, er, walk it! Each chapter tells a story meant to inspire and get you thinking, ending with a prompt to think about on your next walk. You’ll come away with a whole lotta miles crushed, a healthier body, sharper mind, and you’ll certainly be happier!
The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane: Discover how we are shaped by the places through which we move and how the paths we follow not only get us from one place to another, but also play a role in how we feel, the way we think, and what we know.
A Philosophy of Walking by Frederic Gros: What does walking say about us? Whether you’re on a pilgrimage, part of a protest march, or wandering through the woods, this book looks at the philosophy of putting one foot in front of another, drawing inspiration from other great thinkers and walkers like Thoreau, Nietzsche, Rousseau and Kant.
Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit: How has walking shaped our culture? This book draws together the history of walking for pleasure, political, aesthetic, and social meaning, and focuses on walkers whose everyday acts have shaped our culture.
Born to Walk: The Transformative Power of a Pedestrian Act by Dan Rubinstein: No matter your age, where you’re from, or your socioeconomic status, walking as a form of transportation is available to most of us. In this book, the author explores how to take a step in the right direction to make a change in modern epidemics like obesity, anxiety, alienation, and climate change.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed: Follow the story of Cheryl Strayed as she escapes a life of loss and destruction by impulsively setting out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert, through California, Oregon, and Washington State. A journey she would do alone, with no training or experience, driven only by blind will.
We hope you’ve been able to add a few of these books to your cart and that they will inspire you to reach your goals and dreams, whether they may be walking or something completely your own.
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