Blogs

In the summer of 2017 my brothers Orlando and Robin and I tackled one of the hardest conversations we’d ever had, about our brother Evelyn, who took his own life fourteen years ago aged just 22

Outside of the EU, the UK will no longer be part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), meaning a domestic alternative needs to be in place by 29 March. But what does this have to do with public access?

Four years after his doctor suggested he join the Ramblers, 81-year-old Jim Snodgrass from South Queensferry has developed a deep love of walking, a new friendship group and his health and wellbeing are hugely improved.

Alison Hallas, Ramblers policy officer, looks back at the history of our involvement with National Parks, and our current work supporting a new review into the future of protected landscapes

In the late 1990s – in the days before social media, the euro and 9/11 - I joined the Ramblers staff to help campaign for the right to roam.

GP surgeries in Shetland are prescribing nature-based activities for patients with conditions ranging from high blood pressure to depression. But we don’t need a doctor’s prescription to start enjoying the wellbeing benefits of nature, says Phil Pickin.

As the Ramblers campaigns to safeguard public access to the countryside post-Brexit, footpath secretary Ian Hardy highlights the role of volunteers working across England and Wales to defend our rights of way network.

"Walking and nature had done so much for my mental health, I knew I needed to do more. I thought if I did a big walk, it might inspire others to recognise the positive effects of exercise and the open air."

As the government publishes its first national strategy on loneliness, at the Ramblers we’re spreading the word about how walking can help people overcome social isolation and improve their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

The woods are probably my favourite place to go walking. And autumn is definitely my favourite time of year to head out amongst the trees; crisp leaves rustle, twigs crack and the waning sun paints amazing patterns on the woodland floor.