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Sacred Walking Resources: Books, Gear & Tools for Women in the UK

Welcome to my resources room – this is the place I keep all of my curated books, gear and tools.

These are all things I personally use, return to and genuinely recommend.

Enjoy browsing and if you’ve got any feedback, or something to recommend, email me and let me know – awomanwalks@gmail

Start Here

If you’re new here, these are my most-used tools to help you begin or expand your walking practice.

  • The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane – If you read one book before you begin walking, let it be this.
  • Small backpack – This is what allows you to walk without overthinking it. (Simple, affordable and in a fun colour!) If you’re on a tight budget and just starting out, look for high-quality second hand models on sites like Vinted.
  • Handmade, fairtrade and eco-friendly journal – Walking changes you—but only if you take time to notice it.
  • A future pilgrimage fund – One of the most powerful shifts I made was starting a small ‘pilgrimage fund’—even when I didn’t have a trip planned. It changed how I saw my time, money, and priorities. Start with a savings pot on Monzo – if you use my referral link here, we both get a small reward from them.
  • I created a simple guide to help you turn any walk—whether it’s 10 minutes or a full day—into something more meaningful:
    🌿 Download “Turn Any Walk Into a Sacred Walk”

Bookshelf

I love to read, particularly as it gets me off my phone. These are the books I couldn’t put down, can’t get out of my mind, or return to again and again.

Walking and Pilgrimage

  • Wanderers – Kerri Andrews: Wanderers guides us through the different ways of seeing – of being – articulated by ten pathfinding women.
  • The Old Ways – Robert Macfarlane: Uncover a landscape of the feet and the mind, of pilgrimage and ritual, of stories and ghosts; above all of the places and journeys which inspire and inhabit our imaginations.

English Myth, Landscape & Spirituality

Women, Thresholds & Inner Change

  • Lunar Living – Kirsty Gallagher: My personal bible and one I refer to all the time for moon-inspired guidance, wisdom and affimation.
  • Femina – Janina Ramirez: This book really got me thinking about all the ways women have been written out of history and how we have never been easily contained in the cages society tries to place us in.
  • A Spy in the House of Love – Anais Nin: This book started a long-term love affair with the way Anais writes – it’s the most feminine stream-of-conscious style narrative book I’ve ever come across and some of the most empowering prose around female sensuality and sexuality. You’ll either love it or hate it.
  • Women Living Deliciously – Florence Given: Florence is goddess-sent and I will not hear a word against her. She fully embodies living authentically and I adore her vibe. My boyfriend got me this book for my birthday, where I discovered her for the first time, so points to him!
  • Women Who Run With Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estes: This feels like ancient and vital piece of work. It might take you some time to work through (I still am), especially if you take time to sit with the lessons along the way.

Books on my Bookshelf

These books are all currently sitting on my bookshelf at home, or on my ‘to read’ list.

Walking Gear

  • Boots – Berghaus Supalite II Goretex Tech Boot: These are my current boots and they’ve served me for a good few years now. I had to save up for this pair, but once you invest in a solid pair of boots (and wear them in) they’ll carry you far and wide. They require occasional maintance, such as polishing, to remain effective and at their best, but it’s a small price to pay for safe, dry feet. Goretex technology is standard now, so make sure to opt for it if you want warm, dry feet.
  • Rucksacks – Osprey (Large 34l): I coveted this for about 8 years before I got my hands on it (thanks parents!) and it’s my go-to bag for the mountains and longer walks when I’ve got more things to carry.
    • Lowe Alpine (Small 22l day pack): They’ve stopped making the bag I use (Lowe Alpine Aeon ND16, if you’re interested), but I absolutely rate the brand. My bag has lasted so long I can’t remember how long I’ve had it, and it’s travelled all around South America with me, so you know it’s tried and fully tested. I recommend starting with a small rucksack like this if you’re new to hiking.
    • Pro rucksack fitting tips: Make sure you select a women’s model because they will likely fit better than ones designed for men (it’s not all about the colours here). If you’re uncertain, go and try your preferred model, or similar, in an outdoors store (like Cotswold Outdoors) and take advantage of their free expert fitting advice. I used to work at the flagship Cotswold Outdoors store and I can confirm that the staff are trained to really know their stuff. Stick within your budget if you must, but opt for a quality make and model, which will save you money in the long run – not all brand names are created equal, so check reviews or feel free to ask me (just pop me an email).
  • Journal – Fair Trade, Eco friendly, leather-bound and embossed. It feels sacred writing in this handmade piece of art. If you don’t take the time to notice and pay attention to your journey, it will not be the transformative experience you’re searching for.
  • Weather-proof layers – Layering is one of the most important pieces of advice I can give you. Wearing layers allows you to adapt for the weather, and you can start with what you’ve got. When you’re ready to upgrade, here are the pieces I use regularly:
    • Base layer – Wear this under-layer in colder temperatures to regulate body heat more effectively.
    • Fleece – Used for insualtion and breathability, these are a great mid or outer layer, depending on the temperature. Here’s a cheaper fleece option for those on a tight budget.
    • Waterproof Jacket– A windproof and waterproof outer layer. I prefer brighter or less natural colours so I can easily be seen by rescue teams in case of an accident. Make sure to size up so you can fit your layers underneath, expecially if you’re planning on winter or mountain hiking.
    • Water resistant trousers – A great addition to your walking kit if you’re not just a fair-weather hiker (English weather anyone?) I also opt for exercise leggings, which dry quickly and are breathable, with my more ‘technical ‘serious’ gear reserved for longer or more technical walks.
  • Walking poles – Black Diamond: I only take hiking poles to the mountains to use on tricky descents and having the option to support your knees and balance is great. This is more of an intermediate piece of kit, and you can hike perfectly comfortably without them.

Begin Your Sacred Walk

Ready to take your first sacred walk?

Walking isn’t about buying things—it’s about changing how you move through the world.

If you’re beginning to feel the pull toward something quieter, slower, and more intentional, I’ve created a simple guide to help you begin and turn any walk into a personal ritual.

“Turn Any Walk Into a Sacred Walk” will show you how to bring presence and meaning into even the shortest time outside—no experience or special equipment needed.

👉 Enter your email below to receive the guide

If you’d rather keep exploring first, you can start here: The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Hiking Alone | How to Start Solo Hiking in 2026.

And if something deeper is stirring—I’m currently creating a guided experience for women who feel called to undertake a personal pilgrimage. You’ll be the first to hear when it’s ready.

You don’t need to go far. You just need to begin.