About us
Hello there, welcome to my women's walking community based in North Devon.
Wander Women is for any woman who loves to walk!
A friendly, relaxed group to enable women to get together and share their passion for walking, exploring the beautiful landscapes of North Devon with likeminded, inspiring, wonderful women.
The original idea came about as I love walking and being in nature and the outdoors; it's such a source of strength and joy, it's like an elixir. I never stop feeling grateful for living in beautiful North Devon, even after all the years I have lived here it is still breathtaking and awe inspiring to me.
However, it sometimes felt as though there was a barrier to doing this. I wanted to explore some more remote areas of the coast paths but I did not feel safe doing so alone and I knew of other women who felt the same. I wanted to create a supportive, uplifting, empowering community for women to walk together in safety and companionship.
I love the power of the conversations and connections you can make when walking with others - nothing beats beautiful scenery, an energising walk and putting the world to rights!
My walks provide a safe space to have fun, appreciate nature, boost wellbeing and explore together with the aim of fostering connection and friendships. They are not designed to be timed or about being the best/ fastest walker. You don't need to be an advanced level walker you just need to love walking! The emphasis is on wandering together, taking time to observe nature, enjoying each others company and the sense of freedom from being outdoors. There will be tea breaks and coffee stops, time for taking photos, picnics and conversation.
You may want to improve your fitness, explore footpaths and areas you would not have felt comfortable walking alone, meet other North Devon based women, have some 'me time' away from family, caring or work commitments, boost your wellbeing, make new friendships or enjoy some human connection away from the work from home online bubble.
Wander Women is for every woman - No matter your age, where you come from or what you do for a living. If you love walking and fancy some company then this is the group for you!
Routes vary from coastal paths, woodland trails, riverside towpaths and moorland ways which we are so lucky to have in such abundance in the North Devon area.
You can come along to a regular weekend walk, with evening walks planned for the summer months.
There's no kit list or dress code please wear what you want - it just needs to be weather appropriate and comfortable.
Walks are graded easy, moderate or challenging - anyone is welcome to join. Please check the route and event details to assess if it suits your fitness level and interests.
Follow on instagram https://www.instagram.com/wander_women_n.devon
Upcoming events
31
Chelfham Mill – Shirwell Spring Celebration Walk
Chelfham Mill, Chelfham, Barnstaple, GBSaturday 21st March 2026 10am. Chelfham Mill – Shirwell Spring Celebration Walk
Celebrate Spring, a season full of growth and the hope of new beginnings, with a beautiful walk through the countryside surrounding Chelfham Mill and the villages of Shirwell and Lower Loxhore. There is a choice of two routes for this walk, a longer distance including Lower Loxhore, or a shorter version to Shirwell and back.
This walk is held in partnership with the fabulous Growforward Project who are transforming the once derelict site at Chelfham Mill, into a thriving hub for the community. The project will revitalise the old boarding school and watermill, to become a multi-functional space with three core elements: a Wellbeing Retreat and Learning Centre, Riverside Café and Events Spaces.
Their mission is to turn a site long associated locally with sadness and neglect, into a positive, vibrant destination, as a centrepiece for wellbeing, community connection, and personal growth, whilst preserving its heritage. Through involving the local community, their aim is to transform this once-abandoned site into a place of healing and opportunity.
More information about the project is here www.thegrowforwardproject.co.uk or follow their social media pages The Growforward Project | Barnstaple | Facebook or Instagram @thegrowforwardproject
Walk Details
Starting at Chelfham Mill and following a footpath to climb to Shirwell. Those choosing the shorter route will loop back here and return to Chelfham.
Those choosing the longer route will continue along countryside lanes and footpaths to descend to Shirwell Mill and then reach Lower Loxhore. Next following footpaths to Loxhore Mill Bridge and then ascending to Bratton Cross, returning to Chelfham Mill along a countryside lane.
Option to stop for drinks and refreshments at The Growforward Project’s Crafty Café , before or after the walk.
Meet at Chelfham Mill at 10am.
Start/ Finish: Chelfham Mill EX32 7LA
Distance: Shorter route 3.8 miles (6.2km). Longer route 6.4 miles (10.3km).
Route type: Circular
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Public footpaths, tarmac roads and bridleways. Footpaths can be muddy in places and rocky/ uneven. Several stretches of ascent/ descent. Stiles. Steep climb out of Chelfham at the beginning of the walk.
Toilets: Chelfham Mill Reception
Parking: Chelfham Mill car park (no charge by kind permission of the Growforward Project).Please wear weather/ ground conditions appropriate clothing/ footwear and bring a drink.
Anyone attending this informal event does so as a solo identity and has full responsibility for their own wellbeing, which includes health wellbeing and personal welfare.
10 attendees
Past events
233
