nature connections: steppin out with the Sistas

Sophie Brown has barely had time to unlace her walking boots recently.

As a qualified Lowland Walk Leader she totted up nearly 20 miles over last weekend alone, from St. Paul’s to Exmoor National Park via Keynsham.

She’s founder of Bristol Steppin Sistas, a group that facilitates trips to the countryside for women of colour.

“It’s the first time we’ve done three walks in four days,” beams Sophie. “It’s so nice to see different faces, with new people coming along each time.”

Bristol Steppin Sistas out on a recent walk

Sophie has been a passionate walker from childhood.

“Walking helps me so much, but when I first moved to Bristol I didn’t see a single person of colour out walking. I wondered if I could inspire other people to try it.

“So I formed a group for women of colour and black women. I wanted to help others create that sense of belonging.

“There are so many beautiful places within a few minutes’ bus ride – some haven’t even taken a bus before and can’t believe we’re still in Bristol. We’re so fortunate here.”

Why is it that the women joining these walks haven’t explored the nature on their doorstep?

“Maybe because they didn’t know what was out there, or they’re not walkers.

“And we can all feel intimidated going into unknown places. My first walks, I’d think, ‘I wonder if there will be any black people?’ I don’t anymore. But that used to be what I’d look for.

“A lot of people are aware of our group now and we get recognised outside of Bristol which is welcoming.

“There have been negative comments – we go into little villages where no black people walk, and they haven’t grown up around black people, so 30 of us walking through a place like that might appear intimidating. I do get it.

“But we just say hello and smile, give them a compliment – ‘What a beautiful village you have’ – and then people are fine. We’re breaking down those barriers.”

Sophie on a recent walk. The Steppin Sistas now travel all over the south west

Why is it so important to get out into nature?

“It’s a connection that’s important for my wellbeing and mental health. I like to connect deeply by walking barefoot or sitting on wet grass, hugging trees. It clears the mind. My dad’s in spirit, and I chat to him when I’m walking.

“Group members report health benefits – for insomnia, and diabetes. The countryside clears my hayfever and I can breathe better! Clean air is essential for our wellbeing.

“Then there’s foraging – people can’t believe we can use certain plants, like making tea from nettles. They feel so much more connected after walking with us. It’s quite emotional for me to see.

“We’re also breaking down barriers between black women. There are scars, memories, life experiences that we need to support each other to overcome. Women make friends in the group. Many find the confidence to go walking on their own, which I love to see!”

Sophie led a Windrush anniversary commemorative walk around St. Paul’s on June 22

On Thursday June 22 Sophie commemorated the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Windrush – with a walk, of course. She explains:

“I planned a route to visit the Seven Saints of St. Paul’s, with everyone dressed in the Jamaican flag colours.

“It was awesome. We had a boombox and walked round the streets paying respects, with elders and young people cheering us on. I made up three R’s for the Windrush elders: ‘Remember, Respect, Reflect.’

“I’ve passed my map on to a local teacher to take their pupils on the trail and teach them who these people are.”

The following Sunday, June 25, Sophie took the Steppin Sistas on a walk from Bristol to Keynsham. The map was provided by Slow Ways, a network celebrating walking as a form of green transport that enables connections with people, landscape and wildlife along the way.

The Steppin Sistas at the end of their Slow Ways walk

She describes the slow route to Keynsham:

“I loved it. The Keynsham walk is only 6 miles, but wow! It’s so beautiful – woods, pubs, free roaming horses, a river with kingfishers, little bridges and locks. It’s gorgeous. We’ll definitely walk it again.

“Our next Slow Ways walk is 11 miles from Bristol to Wick, starting from Castle Park. Online sign-ups will be open in a couple of weeks.”

The Slow Ways route from Bristol to Keynsham

The Sistas are now 1000+ members strong and on an NHS green prescribing list, with 60 people referred in the last year. Sophie is keen for everyone to experience the health benefits of the outdoors:

“There’s so much in nature that can help. If you’re feeling low – sit in a field or under a tree. Our earth has lots of gifts which support our wellbeing. Nature provides us with coping mechanisms.

I look at trees in amazement – they’re so beautiful and so different, just like humans. We’re all different and beautiful, and we all have a real connection with nature. All we have to do is get out there.”

Sophie runs a free arts and crafts club for young people of African and Caribbean descent at risk of exclusion, in St. Werburgh’s every Wednesday. Register here.

Reparations Bristol are holding a Windrush community celebration on July 29 outside the Star & Garter pub in Montpelier.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by The Extra Mile and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.

Read more:

• A project mapping Bristol’s walking routes calls on volunteers to road-test them
• Bristol women’s walking group fundraising to break down barriers
• People from Bristol walk more than anywhere else in the UK

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