Country Walks -
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If you are not a regular walker and are feeling a trifle 'rusty' the following tips may be of help to you on the first of your country walks.
Before starting on any of your walks, always make sure you are wearing suitable, comfortable shoes. Obvious really, but is amazing how many folk ignore this simple tip. Seemingly comfortable shoes can become very uncomfortable after 30 minutes continuous walking.
1. On your first walk limit the distance you walk to just 15 minutes 'out' time. With the return journey you will have achieved 30 minutes walking time.
2. If you feel you need a more gentle start, limit your 'out' time to 10 minutes, making the total walk 20 minutes.
3. Stay at your chosen time for a few days until you feel confident about lengthening your country walks. Then add an additional 5 minutes to the 'out' time as and when you think fit. Think of it as both a mental and physical challenge.
4. Gradually increase your times until you achieve a total walking time of one hour. After this you may feel you would like to tackle some of the challenges below.
5. Always take your mobile phone with you, and a supply of 'poo' bags should you need them when on country walks with your dog.
Avoiding the average spend of £130 for taking a family of four to a theme park (information from Which), we give you some alternative free ideas to enjoy a ‘green day out.
If you do wish to spend money scroll down to the last two ideas that may well give you a good day out, but at a price. The next few ideas are 'free'.
Have you thought of a day spent on country walks in company with Ramblers? If you would like to walk in a group, the following site may well be of interest to you. The Ramblers Association offers loads of possibilities. People looking for a quiet, pleasant country walks and perhaps preferring their own company with possibly that of a dog, could seek directions from the NFU Walking for Beginners site gives information for the beginner on Food and Drink, Spare Clothes, Mobile Phone, Map/compass and how to plan your Route. This is an excellent site with good, no nonsense advice on walking in the countryside.
You can always set up your own Ramblers Group. All you will need is a pair of comfortable walking boots, possible some refreshments, the company of a good dog and possibly a friend or two, and away you go. Good weather would not be amiss!
It is possible to take your dog with you as you walk on the North York Moors These particular walks are chosen because there are very few stiles to cross, moorland areas with the most sensitive of wildlife are avoided and most do not cross fields with livestock. Although always keep your dog on a short lead when in fields with livestock.
Another great place to find out about walking with your dog is Countryside Access and here you can even download a free copy of You and Your Dog in the Countryside. This site also covers the needs of walkers without dogs, cycling and horse riding. It also defines Tracks and Trails. There is a very comprehensive list of ‘Walks in Your Region’ which also has masses of interesting links.
On the other hand, if you live in a city take a look at walkit.com This site provides walking directions either by the direct route or the less busy route.
It is a good site if you are away in a large city and wish to explore in this way. When you are on foot you will absorb more of the way of life in the city of your choice.
If you have money to spend on perhaps a family treat, Cornwall's Eden Project is a suitably green day out at which to appreciate the full bio-diversity of our planet while the kids have fun around the trails and play areas. Admission is £15 for adults and £5 for children (under-fives free) if bookings are made on-line, but groups can get a discount by booking in advance at edenproject.com. And if you nominate your admission as a gift through the Gift Aid scheme, it entitles you to free entry for a year.
In addition, the Ice Rink is open during the winter season - late October to late February - and a 40 minute skating ‘slot’ costs an additional £5.00 including skate hire.
In Norfolk, BeWILDERwood claims to be the UK's first environmentally friendly adventure park. From a mind-bending web site at BeWILDERwood it is possible to get full admission charges and opening details of this attraction. Basically £10 for over-fives or £45 for a family. Their feedback appears to be positive with an entertaining video. Spread over 50 acres of marshland and woodland, it boasts tree-houses, zipwires, jungle bridges, "Crocklebogs", Twiggles and Boggles (whatever these are) and no pesticides. The wood used is sustainable and the food organic.
The choice is yours.
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