Best feet forward
“There are lots of different types of walk – as this special issue reveals. Some are walks to escape, to find perspective, to work through a problem, to tame inner demons, to keep physically fit. The very act of putting one foot in front of the other stimulates blood flow to the brain, regulates breathing and provides a calming, more open view of life – especially when surrounded by green space.“
The story of how a charity is helping homeless people regain confidence, self esteem and fitness through walking in the Peak District is one of the most inspiring we’ve ever covered. Other walks are missions to achieve something, such as Dixe Wills’ own coast-to-coast walk, which he undertook in the heatwave of last summer. Or our walks to great views – 20 of the very best – with some accessible routes for all.
My favourite type of walk, however, is the nature walk. Well… nature ramble. Or dawdle. The mission is to encounter something curious for my nature diary. Even the most unpromising locations offer something for the nature dawdler. I find it easy to walk not very far per hour as I pause to identify flowers, birdsong or simply immerse myself in a new valley, riverside or woodland. I’ve written something about this slow walking in this issue. Whatever adventure you plan in the countryside, I hope you find plenty of inspiration within the following pages.
Fergus Collins, editor@countryfile.com
Don’t miss our nature and countryside Plodcast – available on all podcast providers
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
Dixe Wills, ‘Between western shores‘
“Several welcome surprises came my way on my 100-mile hike from Weston-super-Mare to Weymouth.”
Fi Darby, ‘Sleeping under the stars’
“Camping – whether in a tent, bivvy bag or hammock – is one of the best ways I know to reset my natural rhythm.”
Haroon Mota, ‘Natural Connections’
“At Muslim Hikers, we aim to enable people to connect with nature, but to also connect with one another.”