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Despite the Peak District only being a few hours away by car, I have never (in my adult life at least) walk there! This Saturday will be my chance to make amends with a day trip with my friend Ross (@chargingchimp).
I have spent the last few hours scouring the OS map, looking at routes online and reading blog posts, and I think I have come up with a half decent route!
The number of outdoor related blogs I now read is upto about 50 (and ever growing!). Here is my pick of my favourite posts from week beginning 21 March 2011.
I try and head out every lunchtime for a dog walk – nothing sensational, just a couple of miles around the local fields or an occasional stroll in the nearby Salcey Forest.
Sometimes though, I convince myself I am too busy to spare the half hour or so needed for a walk. But this is false economy – I find a short time in the fresh air, surrounded by nature and away from work, reinvigorates me ready for the rest of the afternoon. Without it, my productivity and concentration slip.
Of course I am lucky to work surrounded by countryside, but there are enough parks, river /canal sides and trees in our towns and cities for this principle to apply to everyone.
So tomorrow, instead of eating lunch at your desk or the nearest starbucks, head out for an explore. Your body, mind and soul will thank you!
Here is my pick of my favourite outdoor-related blog posts from week beginning 14 March 2011. There are quite a few posts this week that caught my attention, and it was pretty hard to get the list down to a manageable number! Read more
Here is my pick of my favourite outdoor-related blog posts from week beginning 7 March 2011.
On my last hike, a 16 mile loop around North Bedfordshire, I was pretty happy with my day-pack kit. I am sure that there is room for improvement though, so here is the complete list – I would appreciate any comments or suggestions!
A mostly pleasant circular loop in the highest part of Bedfordshire (not really saying much!) from Lavendon, following the Three Shires Way to Santa Pod Racetrack, then back to Lavendon via Harrold.
Most of the route was through some great countryside along fields and through deserted woods. I didn't encounter a single other walker, bar a couple of dog walkers near the more built up areas. Only downside to the route was the long stretch on tarmac towards the end.
View the route at: http://new.socialhiking.org.uk/maps/os/daylightgambler/2011-03-12
Length: 15.8 miles
Height Gained: 784 ft
Number of tea stops: 2
Number of pub stops: 0
Number of times almost killed by a horse: 5
Number of blisters from new shoes: 0
Here is my pick of my favourite outdoor-related blog posts from week beginning 28 Feb 2011.
At the start of the year, I set out to try and walk at least 1000 miles throughout the year. Primarily the objective was to try and reconnect with the countryside and to get out and do as much walking as possible. Now, over two months in, I thought I would reflect on my progress so far.