Review

Prepared by Cathryn Grant

WALKERS WITH VISUAL-IMPAIRMENTS IN THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE: PICTURESQUE LEGACIES, COLLECTIVE ENJOYMENTS AND WELL-BEING BENEFITS

Author: Dr Hannah Mapherson

Journal: The Journal of Rural Studies, November 2016

Dr. Hannah Macpherson conducted her research by volunteering as a sighted guide for walking groups for people with low vision that walk in both the Peak and Lake Districts of England. These places, Macpherson notes, are often described and valued for their visual beauty and so how could a person with a vision impairment appreciate walking in these environs.

METHOD:

Macpherson observed 19 participant-walkers and 6 volunteer guides, conducted “walk and talk” interviews and sit-down interviews.

RESULTS:

Participants described numerous benefits of walking in the countryside including a feeling of achievement derived from reaching summits, a sense of wellbeing, social opportunities, physical fitness, feeling of freedom as the walkers were assisted by guides and did not need to navigate. One participant described being able to switch off and not needing to worry about the next obstacle as a result of being physically guided. This allowed her to relax and take in her surrounds.

There are also challenges faced by the walkers including the degree of trust and physicality to walk on uneven ground, access to these guided walks is limited and the guide-walker relationship requires careful negotiation.

Macpherson concludes that specialist walking groups do provide opportunities for people with low vision to walk in the countryside and experience the many benefits of this. However mainstream walking groups should be encouraged to adopt strategies that facilitate the integration of people with low vision.