The Path to True Love
This challenge doesn’t just give you support and kindness. It gives you the chance to make lifelong friends and, maybe... just maybe... meet the person of your dreams.
When Julie Russell and Andy Traviss first joined Walk1000Miles, they had no idea of the impact it would have on their lives.
Neither knew the other existed. But what started as a simple congratulatory message after Julie completed her 1000 miles in 2020 developed into a real-life fairytale that saw them get married under the iconic arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge in September.
How did this all happen?
Well, after the initial message, Julie and Andy started chatting and realised they both lived on the Isle of Man and both dreamed of living in Cumbria.
“We couldn’t believe how much we had in common each time we chatted over the following months,” explains Julie.
The two also shared a love of photography, and Andy embraced Julie’s passion for Herdwick sheep, native to Cumbria.
Lockdown prevented them from meeting until April 2021, but then they made up for lost time.
“It was wonderful!” says Julie (now Julie Traviss).
“We had so many shared ambitions around walking. It really is great to find a partner with shared passions and interests. It makes such a difference to your quality of life.”
They visited the Lake District together, their first hill being the much-loved peak of Hay Stacks.
Before long, they had bitten the bullet and fulfilled their dream of moving to the Lakes, and although they have since settled in Lancashire, Lakeland and its gorgeous fells, valleys (and sheep) remain close by.
“We decided to get married in 2024 when on a trip to the Langdale Valley in the Lakes, which we call our spiritual home,” recalls Julie.
They then tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Sydney, with the famous bridge and opera house in full view. Even good old Country Walking made an appearance on their special day.
As Julie says:
“I am forever grateful for how Walk1000Miles has changed my life, opened up my world and facilitated Andy and I finding each other.”
“Walking has helped us build trust in each other (I would never have managed the Langdale Pikes otherwise!), and has increased our confidence in trying new places and opportunities. It has cemented our relationship as the years have progressed. We have both found our bestest friend ever.”