The Serious Business of Nature: Finding Calm and Connection on the Garth

On a rainy Wednesday morning at the end of October, a few of us joined Jaime Hindle for one of his Just Walk sessions — a half-day nature immersion designed to help people slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the restorative power of being outdoors.

Stepping Outside the Office

Most of us spend less than 7% of our working week outdoors. That’s an astonishing figure when you think about the mental and physical health benefits that even short periods in nature can bring. Jaime’s Just Walk sessions aim to change that, showing how time spent outside can improve focus, creativity, and overall wellbeing.

The walk was at Gwaelod-y-Garth, just north of Cardiff, the session combined gentle qigong, guided reflection, and thoughtful conversation. It wasn’t about endurance or performance — it was about pressing pause, breathing deeply, and remembering how to simply be.

A Historic Hillside

The Garth is steeped in history. It’s widely believed to be the inspiration behind the fictional “Ffynnon Garw” from the 1995 film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, written and directed by local Taff’s Well native Christopher Monger. The summit’s Bronze Age burial mound and panoramic views across Cardiff and the Taff Valley make it a fitting backdrop for reflection and renewal.

The Walk Itself

Our morning began with a steady climb through pine-lined tracks glistening with rain. After reaching a quiet clearing, we closed our eyes for ten minutes and took part in a few qigong movements — simple, mindful exercises to reconnect body and breath. A few bemused dog walkers passed by as we stood still in the drizzle, breathing in the damp woodland air.

As we continued upward, the path grew steeper and the views began to open up. Jaime encouraged us to slow down, to notice the small details, stay aware of our intent, and practise presence. At the top of the plateau, we shared a bag of small apples, each of us taking a moment to feel the texture, taste the sweetness of the fruit, and remove the seeds while reflecting on the year ahead — a simple yet symbolic act of renewal.

Reaching the trig point at the top, we paused to take in the sweeping view, spotting landmarks from Aberthaw Power Station in the distance to the rooftops of Cardiff below. The conversation flowed easily from nature and wellbeing to everyday life, work, and family.

The return route provided a bit more adventure than expected, with a spontaneous detour to avoid a few escaped bulls who’d decided to block the public footpath. Our wet and muddy diversion back to the village only added to the sense of camaraderie.

A Step Towards Balance

By the end of the three-hour session, we were soaked, muddy, and smiling, feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected. The morning was a gentle yet powerful reminder that taking time to pause, breathe, and move in nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Why Just Walk?

Jaime’s Just Walk sessions offer free, monthly sunrise walks for men across South Wales — a space to step away from the “work, eat, sleep, repeat” cycle and reconnect with both nature and community. As Jaime explains, the group focuses on men because so many find it difficult to open up or prioritise their own wellbeing.

Through Just Walk, he’s creating something simple yet powerful: time outdoors, genuine conversation, and a reminder that slowing down isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

Step outside. Slow down. Feel better. 

Find out more about Just Walk: https://www.jaimehindle.com/justwalk