Walking is free, gentle and good for body and mind, but it’s easy to fall into the same dull loop around the block. These six ideas turn a daily walk into something you’ll look forward to.
We’ve counted down from six to the one we think makes the biggest difference.
6. Set yourself a walking challenge
Pick a goal, such as walking a local long-distance path in sections, visiting every park in your town, or reaching a monthly distance target.
Tracking your progress keeps you motivated, and finishing feels like a real achievement.
5. Follow a heritage trail
Many towns and cities have heritage trails that link historic buildings, blue plaques and hidden stories. Leaflets are often available from tourist information centres or council websites.
You’ll get to know your own area in a completely new way.
4. Take a photo walk
Choose a theme, such as doors, reflections, signs or autumn colours, and photograph everything that fits. Your phone camera is all you need.
It makes you notice details you’d normally walk straight past.
3. Go geocaching
Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt. Using a free app, you follow GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, sign the logbook and put them back for the next person.
It gives every walk a purpose and is brilliant fun with children.
2. Try parkrun
parkrun is a free, weekly 5k event held in parks around the world on Saturday mornings. You can walk the whole way, and plenty of people do.
Register once online, print your barcode, and turn up. It’s friendly, welcoming and a great way to meet people in your area.
1. Join a walking group
Walking with others makes it sociable, safer and much easier to stick to. Local walking groups organise routes for all abilities, from short strolls to full-day hikes.
In the UK, the Ramblers run group walks across the country, and many councils and community centres offer free health walks for beginners.
How do you keep your walks interesting? Share your tips in the comments.
