A community remembrance walk will take place in Edinburgh next Saturday, October 11th, inviting women who have lost a partner – along with friends and supporters – to come together for a time of remembrance, reflection, and connection along one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.
The Widow Walk Edinburgh, organised by Sustainable Change in collaboration with Cruse Bereavement Support Scotland, will meet at 1pm outside The King’s Gallery at the bottom of The Royal Mile, before beginning a gentle 60-75 minute guided walk of the lower trail of Arthur’s Seat.
The walk is gentle in pace and accessible to all, providing time for quiet reflection and connection with fellow attendees. Organisers say the walk is designed to harness the calming power of nature and community as a way of easing the quiet isolation that can often follow bereavement.
Those interested in attending are able to register for the free event via the link here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1-DUUHiHA2srjg9xkUZKyybb-McsbqI2u2z-DOZeGxqxaVg/viewform)
After the walk, at 4pm participants will gather at a local restaurant where a private upstairs space has been reserved for the group. From 4:30pm, light refreshments will be served with vegetarian options available.
A structured reflection session will take place, with attendees encouraged to bring a notepad and pen to capture thoughts and feelings in a short written exercise. The gathering will also include opportunities for quiet conversation, shared memory, and an optional remembrance ritual where individuals can honour a loved one by bringing a small item or name to share. The event will conclude at 6pm.
While the event has been created especially for women who have been widowed, organisers stress it is not exclusive. Friends, neighbours, and anyone who values inclusion and community are warmly encouraged to attend.
The event is the latest in a series of charity and community initiatives organised and supported by Sustainable Change. So far, the company has raised over £130,000 for a range of causes, including UNICEF’s Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal, the Stroke Association, and Magic Breakfast Children’s Food & Education Charity, among others.
Alex Neilan, Founder of Sustainable Change, said:
“Losing a partner can leave women feeling cut off from the rhythms of daily life and from those around them. The Widow Walk is about creating a compassionate space where people can walk together, share stories, and find strength in community and nature.
“We want to remind participants that they are not alone – their grief is acknowledged, their memories are honoured, and their journeys are shared.”
