I loved that I could dip in and out of this book. I also liked the mindful aspects of walking that Kate describes, having struggled with formal meditation, I liked the idea that doing something repetitive but active give your mind the chance to move into a meditative state. This book really encouraged me to explore local walks with new eyes and to use it as an opportunity to try and be fully present which I am grateful for.

Rated 4 1/2 stars on my blog...

This is a lovely descriptive book where you can follow in the footsteps of Kate Humble on her walks. The subtitle - "The Joy of Putting One Foot Infront of Another" appears to perhaps have two meanings. She seems to enjoy going on various walks, which means putting one foot in front of another to move, but along the way, she meets up with various people who are metaphorically putting one foot in front of each other (or taking one day at a time), as life presents itself and so to just try to lead life to overcome various issues they have with their physical health, addictions and more... and are also using extreme walking to help them overcome these, to improve their lives and outcomes.  There is also, just in general, the joy of not knowing who you might meet whilst out walking and then finding out the path in life and in a geographical sense, they are taking.

The book is written to, even if in a small way, spur people on and to inspire them to walk. I myself enjoy walking, nothing strenuous or as big as a huge hillwalk for the most part, but walking features in my life, and recently walked for MS Society to raise money for them. I also find, as this book talks about, that creativity can be inspired by walking. I mostly do it for pleasure and fun or to go somewhere as walking is a mode of transport if you like.

There are many reflections on walks throughout a year that Kate Humble writes about, sometimes in fascinating places, sometimes meeting people, she perhaps may not have met otherwise and probably not in her daily life, which perhaps added to her own inspiration. Thinking on my Feet has a mix of emotions written through it, from when Kate Humble is feeling lonely to those who she meets.

All in all, it is an interesting book that is great for dipping in and out of and will perhaps spark inspiration in many readers.

Joyous and inspirational! Kate’s vivid writing makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be able “to put one foot in front of the other”, she has underlined the fundamental benefits of immersing oneself in nature through walking.
I would have loved photos to accompany this book, as I had to stop reading and google a fig tree bridge (awesome as described!).
Most of us are not so hard core as Kate, I’m impressed how she fits exercise into her schedule wherever she is, and thankfully relieved to read that at times even she gets red in the face and out of breath!

I have read a few of Kate Humbles books and I really like the message she conveys. Like being wrapped in a woolen blanket.!

I think Kate Humble comes across very well on television. The series where she meets folks who are new to country living seems well intentioned and she comes across as very genuine. I think I would like to go on a walk with Kate Humble. But what this book shows is that she is way out of my league! The walks range over the year and over a variety of distances and we learn much about Kate and her life - and her travels and TV work. But at heart, this is a gentle stroll through the benefits and joys of a meander.

It is simple in its set up and well executed. I especially liked the section where she walks the Wye Valley path and her tribulations - oh the blisters! I wanted to send her some Compeed. There are interviews and reminiscences and some history but this is a light read and perfect for curling up on the sofa with a hot drink while it’s pelting with rain and just losing yourself for an hour or two.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review

I really enjoy Kate Humble presenting programmes based on outdoor activities, and so I was disappointed when trying to read her memoir. Given other reviewers opinions, it must be me, as I found the grammar a little pedestrian and repetitive. Thank you for the opportunity to review the book, I will not be posting these comments on other book retailer sites.

I received a copy of this book free fin exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. Unfortunately, I was unable to download a copy of it in any format so wasn't able to read it. Not good, as I was particularly keen on reading this particular book..
Editing to add :
However, since I wrote this review, I bought a copy of the book. Whilst it wasn't what I was expecting, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a gentle read that made you feel as if you were walking alongside Kate Humble and her dogs. Very well written in such a lovely descriptive way, that I didn't want to put it down.

Easy to read and very inspirational. We should all embrace the positivity in this book and get out in nature everyday when possible.

Kate Humble is a national treasure. This was a deceptively simple memoir about a year in Kate's life and her affinity with walking. Along the way we meet her husband, Teg the most excellent sheepdog and probably Kate's shadow, alongside a number of local and lifelong friends. Kate's writing is warm and inviting. I read this in the winter and at times I felt like I was sat next to Kate by the fire listening to some of her crazier walks - because Kate does indeed walk in storms, in third world countries and even walked on her own (with Teg) for a week. I admire her bravery, her writing style and how she embraces life head on. We could all 'be more Kate'. Heartily recommend.

Thinking on my feet. A perfect afternoon read. Written by Kate Humble, farmer, writer and presenter. Every page of this book is a life changing adventure. Set over a year the therapeutic benefits of walking and the delightful narrative inspires the reader to connect with nature. Beautiful and absorbing.

A truly lovely book, and so relevant in times of lockdown. I felt inspired to get outside, and feel more in tune with nature and the simple things of life. Kate Humble writes well, and I felt drawn in to her world in this book, I hope she writes more in the future.

This is a wonderful book. I loved it from the moment I picked it up. Its like Kate Humble is sitting next to you talking about her year and travels.

The book is written as a diary and is bursting with positivity.

Thank s to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for the Arc Copy. My review is my own opinion.

I'm not an easily influenced person, but every time I read a book about walking I feel inspired to don my walking books and head outdoors. 'Thinking on my feet' is no exception to this. I have read many books in the past on this subject and many of them talk about the places they go, the things they do, and the sights they see. Whilst Kate still does cover these aspects what she mostly talks about is what is going through her head whilst walking, and a lot of the time its stories about some very inspirational people.
Kate Humble herself is very inspirational, and I'm very envious of her river walk and wonder if some day I might be brave enough to do the same with my local river.
I loved reading this and every time I picked it up there is nothing I wanted to do more than put on a coat and follow Kate.

An inspiring book in form of a diary.
As a solo walker, I enjoyed reading someone else’s perspective of daily walks in various countries and areas.
Very encouraging and positive book.

Thanks to the publisher and to the author for the digital copy.

I was only vaguely aware of Kate Humble as a TV presenter (I don't think I've ever watched a show she presented), but I have been looking out for books about walking that aren't written by men and had noted her <i>Thinking on My Feet: The small joy of putting one foot in front of the other</i> as a book I might want to try.

<i>Thinking on My Feet</i> is written in diary format, chronicling a year of Humble's walking (and sometimes running). I wasn't entirely enamoured of it to start with; the early sections involve rather a lot of walking in far-flung locations where Humble is working (Kenya, India) or on holiday (the Caribbean), and I was a little uncomfortable at these countries, where for many of the locals walking is the only option, being used as a backdrop for a white woman from a privileged Western country's narrative about the benefits of walking. However, I enjoyed the descriptions of walks nearer to Humble's home in the Welsh Marches, and as I kept going I found myself liking the book more. It didn't really seem to settle into its stride until about half-way through, when instead of being a day-by-day diary of short walks the whole "Summer" section is devoted to a single nine-day walk along the Wye Valley Way, from the river's source to Chepstow, while the "Autumn" section that follows has a much stronger thematic unity, exploring the connections between walking and mental health and including interviews with other people who have found that walking has positive effects on mental health and a New York therapist who conducts his appointments while walking. I felt that the second half of the book was much stronger than the first half, and wondered whether Humble had found that her theme only emerged gradually through the writing process, and she wasn't able to reshape the earlier material enough to completely fit it.

In the end, what I liked most about <I>Thinking on My Feet</i> (and the reason why the bits set in other countries worked least well for me) was the way it captured the everyday pleasure of walking and reminded me just how much I like getting out in the fresh air and countryside (not that I need reminding, really, but I don't always think about walking while I'm reading a book).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC for review.

A wonderful tale of Kate’s journeys through her love of walking throughout the year. You get so much out of this book. It encourages you to get your walking boots on and discover the world.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

Many thanks to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for my advance copy of this book. Kate Humble writes beautifully on the joys of walking, regardless of where you are or your present state of mind. I found this book a very inspiring read; she writes of some fascinating people who turned to walking in times of trouble, and how much it has helped them to overcome their difficulties. I feel lots more lovely walks in nature coming on! A great book.

Thank you for the ARC copy.
This is a wonderful read of Kate’s walks throughout the year and has really inspired me to get-up-and-go. Highly recommended

I really wanted to love this book and I very nearly do. I agree whole heartedly with Kate about the positive benefits from walking, the time and space to think, be aware of your surroundings, seeing things that can only be seen on foot. But I struggled to get into the book, I nearly gave up as I initially couldn’t engage with the author. However, when I got to Kate’s lone walk along the Wye Valley, the descriptions were very good, and I enjoyed it more, particularly as I’m just getting to know the Wye Valley. Kate got across her love of walking, how much they mean to her and how much good it does for her. Worth persevering.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the authors walks throughout the year, I walk daily in the mornings, reading about her ‘after dinner’ walks inspired me to get-up-and-go in the evening too. A delightful read, highly recommended.