Many people say that the hardest thing about exercise is first getting out the door. Well, that may be true – but don’t forget that you have to be sure where you’re going before you take that giant leap outside. But how can you actually find a route that you, and indeed a group, might enjoy?
It’s not as hard as it seems. There are a few tried and trusted techniques, and some brand-new ones, which can help you map out the perfect route for a big day out in the countryside. Hopefully they can give you the inspiration you need.
Repetition Rules OK
First of all, remember that repetition is not a crime. If you’ve been on a walk you liked, why not put it on your group’s walk programme yourself? After all, imitation is the best form of flattery. And a walk you did in Spring will be a very different experience in Winter; some of my best experiences have been re-treading much loved ground throughout the seasons.
It can also be fun to stage a walk which is a variation on a theme; either reverse directions on a walk you’ve done before or take a short walk you’ve done and add a new and interesting extension. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
Alternatively why not ask someone to help you? It’s not as bad as it sounds; after all lots of people have tons of walking experience – and in walking groups there are always people who’d be happy to test a new or not-so-new route with you. Plus it’s a great way to make new friends.
It may sound obvious but you shouldn’t forget that guidebooks can be brilliant. There are published guidebooks with ready-made walks that you can do “as is” or tailor for your requirements. It is however worth noting that the quality of writing does vary and so do the maps. It’s always wise to carefully read the route before you set out so you can be sure you understand it – and have a trusty paper map in your backpack as back up.
Online Ideas
Or you could turn to the internet; there’s a wealth of free walks online. For example, I entered the term Cotswolds walks into a search engine and got a fantastic set of free online resources including this site with around 20 free walks you can use. And there are lots more out there for sure!
Speaking of the internet, don’t forget the many free online mapping services that you can access for free. You may not know that the entire OS map range is available free online on http://maps.bing.com/ enabling you can look at the whole of Britain in Landranger (1:50,000 scale) and Explorer (more detailed 1:25,000 scale) formats.
Of course you do need to be able to read a map...
Last Word
I hope this is useful to you. But just as importantly, whatever walk you undertake, remember to put a smile on your face – and those walking with you will do too. Even if it’s raining.
Robin Kellett is Group Secretary of Brunel 20s and 30s Walking Group of Bristol & Bath
