Walking

Walking is a great way to move more. It’s free and you can start anywhere, at anytime and go at your own pace. Many people enjoy walking as a solo activity or with a furry companion. For others, joining an organised group can be a brilliant way to make new friends.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight boast beautiful countryside walks and city strolls. There’s no shortage of choice. But where to begin? We recommend starting with thinking what you want to get out of walking.

There are local Walking for Health schemes 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.

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.

You don’t have to run to be fit. Walking briskly for as little as 10 minutes per day can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier. 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.

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.