What is it about a walk in the countryside, or indeed any walk in any location, which I find appealling?
Even at a younger age alongside family, walking has been a part of my life. I have no doubt that it is a part of your life too. Even when we walk the same tracks or the same landscapes in our communities, I think we never find a walk boring.
I’ve never found running or trailrunning appealing (although that should change if I’m honest), the thought of taking part in a marathon or cross-country run has never crossed my mind. I would rather ride my bike if I’m honest, but the outdoor activity in the countryside, for me, has always been lacing up the walking boots and going for a walk.
Since the re-establishment of my blog I set out some key goals on what I want to write about, my own personal interests. Writing about journalism, cycling, walking and other topics I enjoy reading and listening to, this piece on the ‘love of walking’ begins a part of the blog I’m happy to launch.
So, why do I love walking?
For starters I think two words matter the most – accessible and efficient.
One huge reason why walking is enjoyable is the sense of adventure, an activity which gets me in the outdoors. It’s also exercise. While I ride a bike and also try to get into running, walking is the go-to activity where you can let time pass by but also walk among some of the most varied landscapes.
I mention accessibility because it’s true to suggest that walking has never been more accessible. The public rights of way we are all able to walk along offer a direction from A to B, the art of Ordnance Survey map reading fills me with that sense of adventure.
I also mention efficiency because the economics of walking do not require huge investments. You do not need any fancy kit to get into walking – a decent pair of walking shoes, supportive waterproofs, warm thermals in the winter and comfortable clothing, the ingredients of a fair weather walker.
Walking does not need to be expensive. The only additional add-ons are if you attach a love of camping or van life to your walks. Nothing wrong with having a life like that but of course not everyone has to invest their time into a tent. I did go camping as a kid, maybe I need to get back into the activity at some point…
Taking in my surroundings matters a great deal to me – there is no such thing as a boring walk. I could easily tell myself to pack a bag with a drink and some snacks, get into a car and drive somewhere different – something I’ve done a few times.
Nothing beats a local walk. Here in Gloucestershire there are plenty of routes to take, a county that I think splendours in its variety. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds, a walk through history at Gloucester Docks, a view of the River Severn or a woodland hike in the Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire has so much to explore.
Beyond the quintessential ‘Shire’, I will always be grateful for the landscapes I have traversed. A rollercoaster route along the South West Coast Path, walking canal towpaths through a tunnel or a relaxing hike at a National Trust estate – these are just some examples of walks I have enjoyed, some of which I will write about.
Searching a new hill to climb, a new lake to find or a stretch of coast I have yet to enjoy, adventures are waiting out there. It is no mistake that for me personally my own Gloucestershire journalism platform is called ‘The Shire News’, inspired by Tolkien’s depiction of the mythical Shire and Mordor as a land of fire, smoke and industry (not that any city should be compared with Mordor). Bilbo Baggins was always having adventures so walking is my own adventure.
I would also add walking through history is another interest. Everytime I encounter something historic such as a ruined abbey, a monument or even a landscape which I know played its part in a major historical event – these are walks which often give time to reflect and remember.
I must confess that phones, apps and social media does play its part. The use of Komoot to record my walks has been a gamechanger, a chance to reach milestones, climb summits and also share with others my enjoyment of outdoor activity. Sharing is caring and who knows, it might inspire someone else to traverse the same route. Phones have literally become the new maps too.
Driven by social media, the search for community has also allowed young people to get outside and hike the footpaths. Walking groups are springing up all across the country, a chance to make new friends with no judgement and you always go at your own pace.
Walking is no longer an activity just for the sedate middle-age generation, it is unquestionably true that Gen-Z and millennials are finding walking a new enjoyment. Social media helps thanks to TikTok and Instagram, the information shared, a route devised in a national park or within a short train ride from our major cities.
Outdoors and community is something new to me, the first major group hike I joined was last year in September, a group called Hike Minded. The mental-health benefits attached with a love of being immersed in nature and a variety of landscape, so far all three group hikes with other people have been enjoyable.
The very idea of forming a group arrived in my head as soon as I took part in my first group hike in the Brecon Beacons. My love of walking has been enhanced further thanks to a group called The Three Counties Young Walking Group (3CYWG) for ages 20 to 35.
Since forming the group we’ve taken in routes in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire – a historic label known as the Three Counties. I would encourage anyone to join in if you’re looking for a walk in your local area, but what I do like about the group (and it has captured my love for walking even more) is its size.
The 3CYWG has so far been a small group of around five to six people, which is not bad at all. A mass group can sometimes be off-putting, of course I would love to see more people join in, but a committed band of walkers so far has been a pleasure to lead.
It is also true to suggest that I do like a walk solo. Sometimes walking in my own company relieves some stress. Getting in daily steps matters a great deal too, even if while doing my job it is beneficial. Parking the car further away from Cheltenham town centre to get my steps in across Montpellier Gardens or Pittville Park – the more exercise the better!
Short walks, medium-distance walks or walks over 10 miles (the furthest I’ve ever done is 22), the distance does not faze me. A walk out in the countryside is something all of us have done in our lifetime, a Boxing Day or New Year’s Day walk is probably an activity we’ve all done to burn off the Christmas dinner.
For the love of walking, I’ll continue to tie the laces on my walking boots…