Hi!
I’m Katy.
I started Blaze Trails two years ago when I was on maternity leave with my first child. I’ve always loved walking and wanted to introduce my daughter to the great outdoors, so I started organising baby-carrying and pushchair walks with my other mum friends. Even after a bad night, getting out in the fresh air felt amazing. My friends told me that coming on my walks helped them feel great, improve their mental and physical health, and meet other parents.
I wanted to share the buzz of getting outdoors with other new parents so I started developing Blaze Trails as an online community to connect and inspire people to get outside with their babies.
Earlier this year I had my second daughter and wanted to properly launch Blaze as a resource to women across the country - helping them meet other mums in their local areas who they could get outdoors with.
But then - Coronavirus! Of course, doing our bit during lockdown has meant we’ve all had to stay much closer to home than we could’ve imagined, and meeting up with others has been impossible.
I’ve been lucky to still be able to get outside each day with the girls - getting fresh air, stretching our legs, and being surrounded by nature. We’ve had so much fun exploring.
But I’ve really missed the company of other parents. Normally when you’re a new parent you’re able to meet friends, talk things over, ask for advice. High-five each other for showing up even if you’re covered in baby sick and haven’t brushed your teeth that day. It’s critical to have people close to you in the same boat - some solidarity. People to share the amazing journey with.
Society is starting to reconnect - we still have a long way to go before interacting with others is completely safe. But we can start to take small steps to be together again.
Now more than ever we need to support each other. We need companionship, shared rambles, a chance to natter and breathe fresh air. Bringing our new babies along for the ride.
It’s time to get walking together again.
Over the summer I’m going to organise some walks around NW London, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and the Chilterns. All walks will prioritise safety and be in line with government advice. Come along!
I hope Blaze Trails can inspire you to get outside with your baby and other parents in your local area. Share your photos, routes and adventures with me and the rest of the Blaze community. Invite each other out for a (socially distanced) walk!
See you on the trail soon ☺️
Katy