SWAN places - Edinburgh Wellbeing Walk

SWAN has been working with Paths for All to train our autistic volunteers to become Health Walk leaders and run local walking groups for autistic women and non-binary people.

The SWAN walks offer a supportive and inclusive environment for autistic women and non-binary people. Beyond improving physical wellbeing, these walks provide an opportunity for socialisation and peer support.

The walks will be around an hour long at an easy social pace and are perfect for anyone who would like to become more active in the company of other autistic people. We can't always guarantee good weather so please make sure you dress for the weather conditions on the day.

The meeting point is at The Lodge Coffee House (see picture below), beginning of the Hermitage of Braids. It’s accessible by foot, car, or bus (stop at South Morningside Primary School and walk about 5 minutes).

Buses that go there: 5, 11, 15, and 16.

Who is this group for?

SWAN groups are safer spaces for autistic women and non-binary people over-18 who live, work or study in the local area.

SWAN is inclusive of all autistic women (both cis and trans) and non-binary people, including those who are exploring whether they are autistic, who self identify as autistic or are clinically diagnosed (private or NHS).

If these descriptions do not match you, we ask that you do not attend our groups unless they are specifically stated to be for non-autistic individuals. If you are a non-autistic person wishing to learn more about autism, visit our website for workshops and training: swanscotland.org/training

Accessibility

We aim to make our walks and groups as accessible as possible - they are led and designed by autisic people, in accessible venues.

If you have any medical conditions which might affect you when you are at a group, please let the facilitator know at the start of the group so they are aware of what to do should anything happen (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, etc.).

If there is anything we can do to make the experience more accessible for you please do get in touch with us ahead of the meet up:

info@swanscotland.org

Walk Route Description

Starting at the Lodge Coffee House, the walk follows a mostly flat gravel path following the Braid Burn, ideal for all abilities. It passes through the woods for the first 1km or so. The next 1km will offer views of Blackford and Braid Hills, where the Blackford Quarry is situated. The return journey will follow along the same path or slight variations thereof.

Designed to be autism-friendly, it offers a relaxed pace, optional socialising, and pauses to enjoy nature. We will be stopping at various points along the walk to observe nature and internal introspection on its impact on us.

The 4km, 60 minute route (inclusive of stops) is risk-assessed, mostly level, and returns to the start.