As Britain basks in mercury-busting temperatures of 30+ degrees and millions head outdoors, the Ramblers urges the public to make the most of the fantastic weather by joining the Ramblers for a beautiful, balmy Summer Evening Walk. For free!
The Ramblers are holding their ever-popular programme of summer evening strolls throughout this summer (June – September). The walks are an ideal way to wind down after work, burn off those ice-cream calories and make new friends. Hundreds of evening walks ranging from three to seven miles will take place around the country in cities and countryside alike, that are free (1) , open to all and start when the work-day ends.
Walks range from family friendly ambles to strolls for people in their 20s and 30s. It’s easy to find an evening walk near you using the Ramblers online Group Walks Finder – just click on www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder and enter your postcode.
Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers, comments: “Instead of sweltering away on the couch in front of a fan this summer, why not enjoy the long, light evenings and join the Ramblers for a summer evening 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.
Advice for walkers
Summer is a fantastic time of year to enjoy the beautiful British countryside but dehydration, sun stroke and sun burn could ruin a great day out. Wearing a sun hat and applying sun cream regularly, as well as drinking lots of fluid, can prevent you from becoming the walking wounded this summer.
Doctors recommend drinking between 1.5 – 2 litres of water a day normally but hot conditions, such as we are experiencing now, means that more fluids needs to be consumed, especially when exercising.
Britain’s walking charity advises people not to wait until they are thirsty to drink. Dehydration may have already occurred. Other symptoms of dehydration are: feeling dizzy or lightheaded, having a dry or sticky mouth or producing less urine or darker urine.
Still mineral or tap water is adequate. Fizzy drinks are not recommended, as they take longer to drink which is a problem if you need to rehydrate quickly. Britain’s walking charity advises against drinking unboiled or unpurified water from streams, and when in the hills carry emergency water purification tablets.
Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers, said: “The Ramblers message is definitely play in the sun, but play safely.
“Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the fantastic weather we’re having. If people are sensible the heat should not stop them from enjoying the outdoors. It’s essential that people do not underestimate the amount of water they need to consume before exercising in this hot spell. Simple measures such as applying sun cream, wearing a hat and drinking lots of fluid will mean there is little danger from the sun. ”
For more information call the Ramblers press office 0207 339 8531/32 or 07801 749 385 ( out of hours), press@ramblers.org.uk, http://www.ramblers.org.uk/
