Taking a hike: Exploring leisure walkers embodied experiences

Stevenson, N. and Farrell, H.C. 2018. Taking a hike: Exploring leisure walkers embodied experiences. Social and Cultural Geography. 19 (4), pp. 429-447. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2017.1280615

TitleTaking a hike: Exploring leisure walkers embodied experiences
TypeJournal article
AuthorsStevenson, N. and Farrell, H.C.
Abstract

This paper uses walk along interviewing to investigate embodied experiences of walking on the South Downs Way, a long distance trail in southern England. Using a qualitative methodology - encompassing 93 walk-along interviews and auto-ethnographic reflections of two walker/researchers - it explores how walkers conceptualise their own walking experiences and captures this information while they are walking. It contributes to and extends the emerging body of literature which explores people’s experience, specifically aiming to develop a deeper understanding of leisure walking experiences in the dynamic space of the walk. It examines a range of bodily sensations and emotional states associated with the leisure walking experience in the context of temporal and environmental aspects, identifying those feelings that are innate and those which are mediated by external conditions. Current experiences intertwine with memories of other places and times in a process where connections are made between mind, body, the immediate physical environment, self and others, and disconnections from everyday life and the wider environment. These connections and disconnections create a sense of perspective, achievement and well-being.

Keywordswalk-along interviews, walking, experiences
JournalSocial and Cultural Geography
Journal citation19 (4), pp. 429-447
ISSN1464-9365
Year2018
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2017.1280615
Publication dates
Published in print2018
Published online23 Jan 2017
Published23 Jan 2017

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