10 reasons to love walking this May from the Ramblers

10 reasons to get mega this may

The Ramblers have a wealth of information right here to help you get the most out of the Mega Miles Challenge this National Walking Month. Visit ramblers.org.uk/national-walking-month to access a Mega 31 free Ramblers Routes! Check out the details below for their very best ideas on how to get the most out of your Mega Miles Challenge this May. 

1. Gather your family and friends. Walking in a group and chatting along the way allows you to take in everything together and share the experience. Motivate your friends and family to join you and you can all encourage each other to get moving together. If you’re looking for a group, the Ramblers have a variety of guided walks you can get involved with. 

2. Explore the urban. Remember urban spaces also offer a lot of even and accessible routes. Rambling through a town or city can open your eyes to all manner of wonderful things and provide a unique perspective on places you thought you knew. Find your local urban walks with a green space and enjoy exploring. 

3. Satisfy your taste buds. Venture into the great outdoors and plan in an even more satisfying route that circles you back to your favourite local or use your walk as an opportunity to explore a new cafe for some special seasonal refreshments as you work up an appetite along the way. Whether you want to fuel a countryside stroll with local and seasonal produce or wander through more urban settings via a gastro pub, there’s a well-trodden walking route for you. Here are five of Britain’s best foodie walks.

4. Step into the unknown. Across Britain, we’re surrounded by ancient woodland, moors and meadows, so challenge yourself to walk in a different environment or explore a new footpath. The Ramblers Routes library has more than 4,000 tried-and-tested routes. From short urban strolls to hillside adventures, you’ll find something mega to try for your level. 

5. Be playful. It might sound a little strange but try walking backwards! Maybe some sideways start jumps? There are reports dating back to the early 19th Century of people walking thousands of miles, in reverse. According to research, taking a stroll backwards can benefit your health and brain, with some studies even suggesting it can positively affect memory, reaction time and problem-solving skills. 

6. Get social. Social media can be a great place to gather inspiration for different walking routes, especially if you’re exploring a new area. Make yourself accountable, share your walking journey online and inspire others to sponsor even join in. Saying a quick hello to others you meet on your route can also be a great way to make new friends, discover viewpoints you might have missed or simply connect with the wider walking community, and is also great for feeling connected and reducing feelings of loneliness. 

7. Take it slow. Don’t put pressure on yourself to hit a certain step count every time you head out the door. If you’re new to moving, start with easier, short walks and build yourself up. You’ll enjoy the experience and learn what you want to get from walking. Here’s a useful guide to how fast you should be walking. 

8. Embrace mindfulness. If you’re more of a seasoned walker, try something new this month to mix things up. Look around and take notice of your surroundings, allow your mind time to wander and not pay hard attention to anything. There’s nothing quite like that uplifting feeling you experience when you notice the first wild buds of the year beginning to flower and studies have shown that walking outside and noticing three good things in nature can have a significantly positive impact on your mental health. 

9. Admire the view. So often we can be in a rush and not appreciate our surroundings. From breathtaking countryside to city skylines and from early morning mists to sunsets, make your walk one to remember by stopping to take in the beautiful views around you. Check out these seven locations that have stunning walking views. 

10. Walk your way to a better mood. Studies show that even walking briskly for 10 minutes a day can increase your mental alertness and lift your mood. Plus it’s an easy activity that anyone, anywhere can do. The Ramblers is working to increase access to Britain’s path network through their Outdoors Unlocked campaign, meaning that more people can enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being in the great outdoors. 

Get Mega and join the Ramblers for National Walking Month this May and celebrate the love of walking. Whether you’re a wild-weather wanderer, a solitary stroller, a hardcore hiker or a weekend walk-and-talker, visit ramblers.org.uk/national-walking-month for free Ramblers Routes, brilliant offers. Now that’s Mega!  

Thanks to our partnership with Boundless, and their relationship with the Ramblers, we’ve been able to bring you these top tips for walking this May.