Walking is no longer just a simple act of locomotion like we used to regard it. But a journey of deep exploration and mental activity. It does magic to the mind and body and, in most cases, can be a form through which you get inspiration. Yes, because there is something inherently meditative when you put one foot ahead of the other. Walking can help open up stories and a deeper connection to the universe.
Do you enjoy walking? Are you a huge fan of hiking and desire to explore the world through another person’s lens? In this post, we’ll share some of the best books about walking we’ve enjoyed these past years. We’ll also open your eyes to the miracle that walking does to the body. So, it doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned trekker yearning for armchair adventure. Just come with us as we explore these books together.
1• “Walking” By Henry David Thoreau
- Audible Audiobook
- Henry David Thoreau (Author) – Deaver Brown (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/21/2012 (Publication Date) – Simply Media (Publisher)
If you enjoy reading books on walking, this masterpiece by Henry David Thoreau, “Walking,” should be a must-read. It is a book that celebrates the act of walking. In this book, you will learn to visualize walking as one of the best ways to connect with nature. It fosters creativity and can. Help you cultivate a deeper knowledge and understanding of yourself, your environment, and the world around you.
In “Walking,” Henry David Thoreau dives deeper into the value of walking as a way to meditate and think deeply about life. It can allow you to break free from the boundaries of your environment, thereby embracing the simplicity, calmness, and beauty of the natural world. You should include this in your books about walking collection.
2• “Walking: One Step at a Time” By Erling Kagge
- Audible Audiobook
- Erling Kagge (Author) – Atli Gunnarsson (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/23/2019 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
Erling Kagge, a Norwegian explorer, philosopher, author, and lawyer, shared some mind-blowing secrets on walking in his book, Walking: One Step at a Time. “Walking: One Step at a Time” is a thoughtful reflection of the simple yet deep act of walking. The explorer discusses the advantages of walking on a physical, mental, and spiritual level through drawing knowledge from his own experiences and observations.
The Author, Erling Kagge, studied the origins of walking, its function in introspection and creativity, and how it might help us become more aware of ourselves and our environment. Kagge encourages readers to slow down, appreciate the here and now, and discover significance by simply placing one foot in front of the other using stories, findings, and theoretical insights. I’ve read this book, and I must say it’s such a powerful read. You should get a copy
3• “Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback” By Robyn Davidson
- Davidson, Robyn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages – 05/30/1995 (Publication Date) – Vintage (Publisher)
Robyn Davidson’s enthralling memoir, “Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback,” discusses her incredible trip through the harsh and brutal Australian Outback. With just her dog and four camels for companionship, Davidson set out on a solo adventure in the late 1970s that covered 1700 miles of arid terrain from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. Davidson describes in powerful words the difficulties and victories she had on her historic journey, from overcoming the weather to facing her uncertainties and concerns.
She considers the remoteness and isolation of the Outback and the close relationship she developed with the region’s born people. Furthermore, besides being a story of adventure, “Tracks” goes deeper into identity management, self-determination, and the strength of tenacity. Davidson’s brave adventure encourages readers to accept unknown possibilities and follow their aspirations of travel and discoveries since it is a monument to the resilience of humanity and the body’s durability.
4• “The Old Ways: a Journey on Foot” By Robert Macfarlane
- Audible Audiobook
- Robert Macfarlane (Author) – Robin Sachs (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/11/2012 (Publication Date) – Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)
Robert Macfarlane published “The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot”, a fascinating study of walking to engage with cultural heritage, history, and environments. Macfarlane explores the value of historic paths, pilgrimage routes, and ancient routes through numerous walks of foot treks across many landscapes. Macfarlane considers how walking enables us to have a meaningful and profound view of the world through astute observation and beautiful words.
Along the journey, he comes across various settings, including moorlands and seaside pathways, as well as a cast of people, each with their backstory and ties to the country.
Walking transforms our perceptions of location and being part of something; Macfarlane explores the relationship between nature and human activity as he follows these trails. In addition to being a memoir, “The Old Ways” reflects on the ageless activity of walking and how it can help us find fascination, learn about ourselves, and a closer bond with the environment around us.
5• “52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time” By Annabel Streets
- Audible Audiobook
- Annabel Abbs-Streets (Author) – Deryn Edwards (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 02/22/2022 (Publication Date) – Penguin Audio (Publisher)
“52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time” by Annabel Streets is a comprehensive book that goes into the manifold advantages of walking for both physical and mental well-being. Streets offers readers practical advice, activities, and ideas to integrate walking into everyday life. It is divided into weekly topics.
Streets explore the science of walking and its benefits for happiness in general, from enhancing mood and productivity to heart fitness and good health. She also motivates readers to take walking as an inexpensive and ecological exercise by examining the various ways it can be enjoyed, from nature excursions to city strolls.
Furthermore, “52 Ways to Walk” is an invaluable resource for anybody wishing to use walking’s transforming power to improve their well-being, happiness, and connectivity to the outside world. It does this through entertaining stories and knowledgeable advice.
6• “Wild Journeys” By Bruce Ansley
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Ansley, Bruce (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 284 Pages – 10/01/2018 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
Bruce Ansley’s book “Wild Journeys” is a thrilling tour of some of the most enchanting and secluded areas in New Zealand. Ansley takes readers on a journey throughout the rocky landscape of his own country through evocative storytelling and compelling narratives, unearthing undiscovered jewels and untold stories along the way.
Ansley explores the rich history, ecology, and culture of New Zealand’s wild areas, from the windswept South Island shoreline to the majestic summits of the Southern Alps. Stories of epic trekking encounters with native species, and Maori stories are among the adventures and discoveries he discusses.
“7• How to Walk Thich Nhat Hanh
- Audible Audiobook
- Thich Nhat Hanh (Author) – John Sackville (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/31/2023 (Publication Date) – Blackstone Publishing (Publisher)
Thich Nhat Hanh’s “How to Walk” is a detailed and resourceful guide for learning the practice of meditation while walking. He gives readers simple yet meaningful methods for developing mindfulness as well as consciousness with every step, focusing on practices of mindfulness and Buddhist teachings.
In “How to Walk,” Thich Nhat Hanh highlights the significance of being conscious of every detail while walking, from the feel of each foot striking the ground to the breathing pattern. As they stroll, he encourages readers to calm down, enjoy the moment, and let go of problems and distractions.
Thich Nhat Hanh also teaches readers how walking may be an effective instrument for discovering oneself, the healing process, and spiritual development through kind advice and wise insights. We can learn to find joy and serenity in the seemingly simple process of moving forward by practicing present-moment awareness.
Conclusion
Going into the topic of “Walking” in literature reveals a wealth of stories, awakenings, and sources of inspiration. The best books on walking are not just blueprints for engaging in physical activities but also for understanding different cultures, our environments, and human nature. In books on walking, we travel both internal and external pathways via the writers’ lenses, learning about the relationships between liberty and restriction, mobility and consciousness, alongside solitude and connection.
The best books on walkin are effective maps to the soul that lead us on a path of discovery, thought, and intimacy. We are left with a deep sense of thankfulness for the paths ahead as we turn the last page and a refreshed enthusiasm for putting one foot in front of the other. Pick up one of these books and start. Have a good read!
