Step Into Christmas And Stroll Into The New Year!

This year millions of people have discovered the joy and benefits of walking, prompted initially due to the Spring lockdown, but with many venturing further afield through the summer months. For regular walkers, lockdown both reacquainted us with local paths, appreciating anew the routes on our doorstep, but also allowing the discovery of pathways previously unexplored.

There is an additional charm to a winter walk: a burst of fresh air and daylight before the long winter nights set in: getting out during the day adds to the comfort of returning home for an evening.

If you are new to walking you might be unfamiliar with the pathways in your local area, or perhaps you want to find something new. The national charity, Ramblers, offers via its website access to thousands of routes available to download and explore in your leisure time. Visitors can access walks of up to 3 miles in length, perfect for a short morning stroll, or a way to work off the Christmas over-indulgences. Search by place name or postcode using https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes-and-places-to-walk/about-ramblers-routes.aspx

A short walk is a positive way to lift your spirits and get some exercise. It provides space for personal thought and reflection, or a time simply to lose yourself in conversation with a friend or family member. Winter might not be the most encouraging season in which to step outside, but the beauty of this county is intensified in winter sunshine, and, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” Walking costs very little, gives a positive boost to your metal and physical health, and connects you to nature.

Walking in a group also gives the chance to meet new people and establish firm friendships – especially important in a year when for much of the time we’ve had to keep our distance. There are innumerable local groups throughout Lancashire, and you can find out more about Lancashire Ramblers groups via their websites, a selection below:

Clitheroe: https://www.clitheroeramblers.co.uk/
Chorley: http://www.chorleyramblers.co.uk/
Lancaster: https://www.lancasterramblers.org.uk/
Bolton: http://www.boltonramblers.org.uk/
Fylde: https://fylderamblers.org.uk/
Or discover your own: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-finder.aspx

Ramblers works nationally to protect and preserve our rights of way. This year, the Don’t Lose Your Way project has uncovered 49,000 miles of paths not registered on official maps: In Lancashire alone, there are 552 miles of paths that could be lost forever if not formally registered by 2026. Ramblers volunteers work behind the scenes to maintain our pathways, with path maintenance a regular activity you could get involved in.

The Ramblers website provides plenty of advice on walking and it will provide news and updates on the resumption of group walks and activities post-lockdown, all taking place safely, with compliance to local Covid restrictions.

So, pack your flask, don your boots and step outside – winter is a great time to walk, so let’s all enjoy it.