It's National Walking Month, time to lace up your boots and take to the trails! To give us the walking inspiration we need, we've asked our friends from the Herts Sports Partnership for their top tips on getting out and about on foot this month.
We’re blessed in Hertfordshire to have a 3,200 km long network of foot and cycle paths, more than 50 open spaces with Green Flag status, plus miles of towpaths just waiting to be explored. This month we’re celebrating the Hertfordshire Year of Physical Activity and National Walking Month, and are sharing all the fantastic walking opportunities there are in the county.
The warmer months are the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors, so make May the month to ditch your sedentary behaviours. Walking is a great gateway into physical activity for those just starting out - it’s free and it’s low impact, and accessible to the majority of people regardless of fitness level. And if variety is the spice of life, then walking is the activity that just keeps on giving! To keep up to date with a range of walking activities available across Herts – from Health Walks to fun and engaging family events – visit the Hertfordshire Year of Physical Activity page on Facebook.
There are over 3,200km of Rights of Way in Hertfordshire, just waiting to be explored! You can download walking maps from Walk 4 Life or Walking in Herts. But, if you’d prefer to join a friendly group to help you get out into the countryside then the Hertfordshire Health Walks, local Ramblers groups, U3A, local footpath societies and the Friends of the Hertfordshire Way are all a great places to start.
There’s so much more to walking in the countryside than breathing in the fresh air and burning a few calories. Why not broaden your knowledge of local wildlife, including birds, bats and bugs? It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on the May 7th so if you are any early bird there are lots of events you can join and learn to recognise some of the distinctive bird songs. To find a multitude of fun activities visit Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust website, and Walks & More listing plenty of FREE events for all the family to enjoy.
If you’re new to the area or you’re interested in learning more about the history of green spaces in Herts, then there’s plenty to whet your appetite. You can take yourself on a self-guided tour using green spaces maps available from the Countryside Management Service website – or sign up for a history tour at your local museum.
There are over 60 Hertfordshire Health Walks taking place across the county every week. Between 30 and 90 minutes and suitable for all abilities, there is a walk for everyone to enjoy. Led by trained and insured leaders, the walks are a great way to make new friends, explore countryside on your doorstep and beyond, while giving your health a boost. Visit Hertfordshire County Council's website to find your nearest walk. On May 14th we’re hosting a countywide Mass Health Walk to celebrate National Walking Month. To join this record attempt visit our Facebook page to find a list of over 25 Health Walks happening on this day.
Find out what Hertfordshire’s green spaces have to offer by visiting the Parks Herts website. There are over 50 Green Flag awarded green spaces in Hertfordshire, all with excellent facilities and lots of activities on offer, whether you want a day out with the kids or fancy yoga in the Park.
PLUS! Visit Walks & More for lots of FREE and themed walking activities across Herts.
