Walkies! (General Fitness Tips)

Member Name: moonbailey

Product:	General Fitness Tips
Date:	20/08/01 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Keeps you fit, Some of the best views in the country, introduces you to new ales!

Disadvantages: Boggy ground after a heavy rain

I did struggle slightly as to where I'd put this article (no suggestions please!), as it's not quite sport (not the way I do it) and not quite fitness (for the same reason). I had it down as leisure (but dooyoo didn't). So what is it that I'm on about? I'm just going out for a walk, that's all.
But not just a walk - a seven miler - and it's raining!
I've been doing this on and off for about three years and I can't recommend it enough. If you've got access to a car and your legs work - you really should give it a go.
The scenery in England can take your breathe away - and that, combined with the inevitable exercise involved, gives you a feel-good factor that's hard to beat.

The trick is to go prepared. Take a pal, plenty of water, some amazing gourmet food (for those top of a mountian moments), and a mobile phone, if you have one, just for peace of mind.
Allow loads of time so you don't worry yourself when you inevitably get slightly lost half way round (not a nice feeling if the sun's going down!)
I suggest if you live in London and you want to give this a try, head for Kent. Personally I love, Ide Hill, Keston, Westerham and Crockham Hill, but trying new ground is always fun.
If you don't venture out of the city much, you will be amazed at the both the views and the wildlife - particularly if you spot something rare. You may find you hardly notice the exercise because of the distractions of the environment. Having said that - it's always a good idea to have a couple of shortcut options if you don't think you can go the extra mile.

Years ago there was a series of routes published in a local newspaper by a guy that trundled round for a living noting down all the amazing places he came across. He plotted the best ones out on a map and published them as a series.
It was my boyfriend who was the closet route hoarder at the time to he got me into walking. We'
;ve reached a stage of confidence now, that we attempt 'lucky dip' Sundays. These involve, picking a pub in the middle of a 'green' area of an ordinance survey map and plotting a circular route along random footpaths with a trusty highlighter pen. The beauty of starting at a pub, is of course, finishing at a pub!
If you go walking quite often you can rota the driver for the day to take advantage of a country ale or two - somehow it seems to taste better the further you are from the city.
If all goes to plan - you should arrive home with your life back in order, feeling warm and muzzy and pretty darn pleased with yourself!

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