Walking

Walking is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to get moving. No equipment. No pressure. Whether it’s a gentle stroll to the shop, a lap around the local park, or a walk with friends, every step counts.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight boast beautiful countryside walks and city strolls. There’s no shortage of choice. Many people enjoy walking as a solo activity or with a furry companion through these trails. For others, joining an organised group to meet new people and explore their local area is the right choice. But where to begin? We recommend starting with thinking what you want to get out of walking.

Walking is a great way to connect with others. Especially if you’re not sure where to begin.

There are lots of welcoming walking groups across Hampshire and Isle of Wight offering gentle, sociable walks where no one gets left behind. Such as:

• Ready, Steady, Walk – Meet new families on these free, pushchair-friendly walks.
• Hampshire Young Walkers – Aimed at people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, with at least one walk or event most weekends throughout the year of varying distances.
• The Walking Club – A fun and free group activity where you can make new friends. Walks usually cover 2-3 miles; with some longer options for those who are more confident. Tea or coffee and a good chat is usually available afterwards!

If your life is busy and sociable, you may want to use walking as a way to gain some quiet time to yourself. A brisk 10-minute walk around your neighbourhood can help burn off nervous energy or regain focus during the working day. Pick an amount of time that feels achievable to you and protect it as your daily or weekly walking and ‘me time’. It could be 10 minutes or it could be an hour.

Try:

• Walking alone with your favourite podcast or playlist playing in your headphones, or listen to the sounds of nature around you
• Choosing a favourite route or quiet time of day

Walking gently strengthens your body without putting pressure on your joints. It’s also great for your heart, lungs, and muscles. You’ll want to reach a pace where you can talk comfortably with some breathlessness to gain maximum benefit.

You could also try using Public Health England’s free Active 10 app on your smartphone. It tells you when you’re walking fast enough and helps you set and reach your goals. Discover more apps and reviews on our Fitness apps page.

Need some support to get started? There are local Walking for Health walks all over Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. These group walks are led by friendly volunteers who provide encouragement and support. The walks are short and over easy terrain. They are free to join and open to everyone, but are aimed at those who are least active.

Being active outdoors is proven to reduce stress, anxiety and low mood. Walking helps you reconnect with the world around you and gives your mind a chance to slow down.

Local groups like Walk n Talk 4 Mental Health and Riverside Walk and Talk use physical activity as a way to manage mental health while also bringing people together who can relate to each other.

Exploring your surroundings on foot is a great way to get to know a place and enjoy some fresh air. We miss so much, travelling by vehicle all the time. From city trails to coastal walks and the forests and downs, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight offer so many potential adventures. Take a look at the following websites for inspiration.

Check out this blog about 4 historical sites you could visit to step back in time…