Now that long summer nights are here, forget slumping on the sofa and head for the great outdoors with evening strolls organised by the Ramblers’ Association (RA).
A summer’s evening is the ideal time for a walk if you want to escape the heat, avoid crowds of day-trippers or simply watch the sun go down. The RA has more than 500 walking groups all over the country which offer regular led hikes in the evenings over the summer months. Anyone is welcome to try a walk, which are open to all and range from three to seven miles.
It’s easy to find an organised walk near you using the RA’s online Group Walks Finder – just enter your postcode or the name of the town where you live.
Ruth Wembridge, head of membership, marketing and development at the RA, said: “Instead of vegging out in front of the TV this summer, why not enjoy the long, light evenings and go out for a walk. It’s a great chance to unwind after a stressful day at work and a sociable way to get some fresh air and exercise.”
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and just 30 minutes a day can benefit your health. As well as helping control your weight, regular walking can help protect you from heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.
The online walks finder lists more than 450 led walks across Britain every week and with RA groups all over England, Scotland and Wales there’s bound to be one near you. Many groups offer short, easy walks, some are designed for families and there’s a network of groups for people in their 20s and 30s.
Anyone is welcome to try a Ramblers walk free of charge. And you can join the RA for just £24 a year, which includes membership of your local walking group. In addition you will get a free quarterly magazine, walk, delivered to your door, discretionary discounts at outdoor stores (including 10% off at Millets and Blacks) and a free accommodation guide, walkBritain, packed with discounts on B&Bs.
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