May has been National Walking Month, an initiative that encourages people across the UK to step out, embrace the outdoors, and integrate walking into their daily lives. This annual campaign aligns seamlessly with the Landscape Institute’s mission to promote healthier, more sustainable environments. In addition, walking not only benefits individual health and wellbeing but also fosters a deeper connection with the landscapes that surround us.
The Landscape Institute is committed to enhancing quality of life through well-designed landscapes. Walking encourages people to explore their local areas, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Well-designed public spaces and green infrastructure, such as parks and walking trails, play a crucial role in making these environments inviting and accessible.
But that’s enough about us, what about you? Earlier this month, we put a shout out to our members and followers to find out about their favourite walks and got some great responses:
Our favourite walk started in lockdown. We are lucky that our doorstep walk included going into the woodland, over the brook and up the other side to the horse paddock. One of my boys was still a little baby strapped to me and the other a toddler. But we started to make the ‘beaver dam’ using fallen sticks to make a dam, creating their own SuDs. Over the years they have added to it and take pride in showing the other local kids and making notes of all the different animals that have been attracted to it! They are at their happiest exploring the woodland.
Nicola Phillips
Favourite walk started during mat leave. Along the river. It’s only 5 mins from my house but I didn’t even know it was there. With a new baby all you do is walk to try and get them to sleep or keep your sanity or just that need to leave the house and the pull to be with nature. Discovered loads of little local routes and I’d imagine all new parents do the same. Now I’m back at work it’s still a favourite place to go for a lunch time stretch of the legs or if I need to clear my head.
Dani Reeves
Heading out from home over the hills to the east of Stevenage. Gorgeous countryside and a fantastic, criss-crossed assortment of footpaths and bridlepaths to choose from. Nothing for miles but beautiful landscapes, and the occasional tiny village with a welcoming pub.
Tom Jenks
I think mine has to be the Fox House loop that covers Carl Wark, Higgar Tor, Mother Cap, Padley Gorge and back through Longshaw Estate. It’s about 7km and pure bliss.
Richard Cocker
I love getting out of the city on the weekend to go for longer walks in the countryside, but on an everyday basis, I am grateful to live a stone’s throw from the Bristol Bath Railway Path. This linear park is easy for me to access for a walk, and a restorative greenspace in Bristol.
Zoe Banks Gross
Thanks to everyone that responded. National Walking Month is more than just an opportunity to take a few extra steps; it’s a call to reconnect with our surroundings and advocate for the creation of healthier, greener, and more walkable communities. Together, we can take strides towards a more sustainable future.
