We caught up with the Kiltwalk clan, ‘the Walkaholics,’ who are taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 to raise funds for Health in Mind.
Connecting with others can enhance your enjoyment of activities and experiences, while keeping you motivated. This year Katherine, her son Lewis, and his partner Ellie are taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 as a team, and they were kind enough to chat to our Community and Events Fundraiser Kirsty about what has inspired them to don their kilts and take on the challenge!
Lewis and Katherine have previously walked the Mighty Stride (21 miles) in support of a charitable cause which was close to Katherine’s work managing a care home. They enjoyed the experience so much that they wanted to share it with Ellie the following year. Not daunted by the distance, they have signed up for the longest route, the Mighty Stride, once again. Katherine said the first time they did Kiltwalk, they didn’t know what to expect, but that time flew as they covered the miles.
Lewis said of their experience, “It was good – we enjoyed it, even though our legs were a bit tired afterwards!”
This year, they’ve decided to raise funds for Health in Mind. Not being overly familiar with our work, they started by seeking out a local mental health charity, and soon learnt more about who we are and what we do. All the Walkaholics agree – it’s important to choose a cause that has meaning to you.
What motivated the group to sign up to the Kiltwalk supporting Health in Mind this year?
“There’s the fitness aspect. It gets you out and about. We are doing walks with the dogs (Ozzy and Millie), and Lewis trains for Hyrox, so he’s already fit!” said Katherine.
“It gives us a lot of motivation knowing it’s a cause that means something to us, and to others,” said Lewis.
Katherine added, “And we’re all quite competitive so no one wants to be left behind. We’re all trying to raise more than each other and boost each other on!”
How have you approached your fundraising goals?
“People are under a lot of pressure financially, so we’re sharing our fundraising links and being patient. I’ve put notices up at work, and it’s raised a lot of awareness with some colleagues having found support with Health in Mind. We’ll ramp up the fundraising as we get closer to the event. Lots of people want to support the cause and get involved,” said Katherine.
“I enjoy telling people I’m doing the Kiltwalk. It’s extra motivation knowing people are putting their belief in you and sponsoring your walk,” reflected Ellie.
What are you most excited about this year’s Kiltwalk?
Katherine said, “I’m looking forward to reaching the end of the Kilwalk and knowing I’ve done it! I’m excited to be able to promote the cause.”
“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere. Knowing Katherine and Lewis have done it before. It feels very positive!” said Ellie
Lewis is keen to beat his own record. “I enjoyed it last time. If felt like it went really quickly – we did it in 7 hours. For me I’d like to complete it in a quicker time!”
“The first time you do the Kiltwalk, you don’t know what to expect, but it does go really quickly, and we didn’t notice we’d been walking so long,” observed Katherine.
Katherine’s advice for first time Kiltwalkers:
Katherine has some top tips for getting through the walk comfortably. She told first-time walkers:
- “At the rest stops, don’t drink or eat too much – little-and-often, there are plenty of stops and toilets on the route.
- Don’t wear new shoes – make sure you breakin any new walking boots or trainers during your training/practice walks
- Don’t stop for too long at the reststops – keep moving to avoid seizing up and keep your momentum.
- Go at your own pace.
- Look after your team, acknowledging that some people will walk faster/slower than others.”
And some final thoughts and reflections:
Ellie says to focus on why you’re doing this.
“Don’t think about it as a race. You’re doing this to support the cause and have fun. You’re not just achieving a personal goal, you’re raising funds and awareness”
“It’s not a race. It doesn’t matter if someone completes it before you – you’ll all get to the finish in your own time,” agreed Lewis.
“You don’t need to start with the Mighty Stride, you can do the shorter distances [the Big Stroll (11.3 miles) or Wee Wander (4.5 miles)]. We went straight in with the longer distance but there’s no pressure. If you’re doing it in memory of someone, or to support a cause, it’s worth it. Also, don’t worry how much you manage to fundraise – you’re doing your best and still making a difference,” suggests Katherine.
All three reflected that while they are delighted to be raising much-needed funds for a local cause, they are also proud to be promoting Health in Mind and raising awareness of a cause that holds meaning to them, while spending valuable time together.