Follow new ‘career paths’ across Kinder Scout with author Sarah Lister
It is quite apt, that during National Walking Month (May), I spoke to Sarah Lister whose everyday work involves walking around the highest point in the Peak District. In her role as a Career Coach, the author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout can often be found guiding people across the spectacular moorland plateau to help them make life-changing decisions.
Sarah, a qualified Hill and Moorland Leader through the Mountain Training Scheme, takes people on one-to-one career hikes lasting up to four hours long, through the Woolpacks, Jacob's Ladder and parts of the Pennine Way trail, as they are encouraged to discuss and share their inner thoughts about their future working life.
'I believe that movement helps ideas and conversations flow 'says Sarah, whose coaching is questions-based rather than advice-based.
She explains, 'I ask questions which will move and shift people's answers beyond anything they have experienced before. Often, it seems people are seeking permission to have a change of direction and they soon realise they are in the driving seat and they can do it by themselves.'
Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout, speaks to Cheryl about walking around the highest point in the Peak District.
Being out in nature encourages people to reconnect with themselves and the 'big open space allows people to open up' says Sarah, who will often stop to point out curlews and mountain hares – which you certainly don't see at your local career's office! Plus you can sit yourself on a gritstone boulder, which has been sculpted by weather and erosion over thousands of years, and breathe in the heady, honey-scented heather or peatland scents of Kinder Scout as you share a flask of coffee. It is this sensory element of being 'out in the wild' which can help focus trains of thought in the picturesque surroundings away from the noise and bustle of everyday life.
'It's all about bringing movement to thoughts or worries that can feel stuck. These may be about their lifestyles, fears, desires and belief systems – whether that's planning a complete change, working part-time to achieve that ultimate 'life/work balance' or shifting to a job where they feel they are making a difference.'
She cites an example of someone who was 'in a very corporate job and very organised but wanted to work for themselves. They transferred those skills and now run their catering business delivering 'posh picnics' throughout the Peak and have a better work/life balance.'
Sarah, who is based in Edale, also offers guided walks on Kinder Scout, usually for private groups or one-to-one.
'These have been a mix of birthday celebrations, corporate team-building days , women building confidence walking alone in the hills or training walks for people who are working towards walking up bigger mountains.'
Her guidebook, published by Vertebrate Publishing, includes 15 walks to suit different abilities and interests, from picnics by the river to traversing the Kinder plateau. There are also numerous pointers on what wildlife to spot throughout the seasons.
You can follow Sarah on Instagram @about.the.adventure where you find out more about her Wild About Kinder and About The Adventure podcasts.
Sarah not only has a passion for the Peak District and Kinder Scout but travels far and wide, including Scotland in her role as a walking guide. The first photo in the story top left shows Sarah in Scotland and was taken by Meirion Watkin.
Further details: sarah@sarahventurer.com
