May is National Walking Month – and there’s no better time of the year to bounce outdoors.
Whether you yearn for the countryside or prefer to stay within easy reach of shops, cafés, and restaurants in towns and cities, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy as you get your steps in.
No matter where you head, read on to find out the key health benefits of walking – and a few favourite local spots not to be missed.
Walking is a great way to boost your physical and mental health
Building a regular walk into your daily schedule is a brilliant way to stay active. Plus, you don’t even have to break a sweat to reap the benefits.
In no particular order, a regular brisk walk could help to:
- Prevent or manage heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
- Strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to catching colds and viruses
- Improve your mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
- Improve your cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Reduce levels of stress and tension
- Increase your energy levels.
While any amount of movement you build into your regular routine is a step in the right direction, most health professionals recommend either 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week.
If, like us, the idea of “moderate aerobic activity” sounds more achievable than the “vigorous” kind, walking for 30 minutes five times a week could make a big difference to your health and overall wellbeing.
A 15-minute walk in nature could be all you need to boost your wellbeing
Walking in nature could provide all the benefits outlined above, and then some.
According to research, spending as little as 15 minutes a day in nature can boost your mood, concentration, and physical health.
Whether you opt for rolling countryside, woodland, or the coastline, being in nature gives all your senses a treat. With a variety of different things to see, hear, smell, and touch, as you stride out, you’ll also be giving your brain a workout with plenty to notice and keep your mind alert.
The American Psychology Association states: “Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce wellbeing benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes.”
Pound the pavements and explore urban areas of Cheshire and Greater Manchester
With an interesting blend of industrial heritage, scenic canals, and green spaces, there’s no end of fantastic places to walk in and around Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Top routes that spring to mind for May include:
- Manchester Wharf city trail – A 3.5 km city centre walk along towpaths and pavements unveiling Manchester’s industrial canal history.
- Irwell Sculpture Trail – The largest sculpture route in the UK offers a 33-mile trail through Salford, Bury, and Rossendale. Connecting local heritage, changing landscapes, and communities, the trail is a great day (or several days) out for all the family – no matter where you pick up or stop off.
- Nantwich riverside loop – A gentle three-mile route that weaves around the Riverside Park, the Shropshire Union Canal, and the historic Welsh Row. Plan ahead and pack your bathers and you could include a refreshing dip in the outdoor brine swimming pool.
3 more favourite walks in the local area
If you’re looking for more inspiration to get your step count up, here are three favourite walks we’ve featured in past articles.
1. Loop around Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake Country Park, situated just outside Rochdale in Littleborough, is an award-winning tourist destination. It consists of a 118-acre man-made lake, first created as the water source for the Rochdale Canal, but then developed into a tourist destination in the 1860s.
This gorgeous country park has a two-and-a-half-mile track around the lake that is relatively flat, making it suitable for the smaller children in pushchairs. A good number of benches are situated around the lake for quick rest stops, and several places for refreshments are also dotted along the route.
2. Take a scenic walk through Delamere Forest
Delamere Forest is a great spot to explore at any time of the year and, if you’re after a walk with ample scenery, the Old Pale Trail is one for you.
The walk is a little less than two miles and takes around two hours to complete. Along the way, you’re likely to pass a mix of locals, tourists, and fellow dog walkers.
Beware, this route begins with a short climb to reach the top of Old Pale Hill, so you may need to consider this if you or your walking buddies have mobility issues. The good news is that once the first climb is complete, there are plenty of wide paths and the rest of the walk is mostly level.
If the hill-climb start is off-putting, Blakemere or Linmere are both good alternative routes. Each route offers easier walks – plus, you may get to see more wildlife and there’s no shortage of opportunities to stop for a bit of a breather.
3. Run free at Thurstaston Beach
Accessed through Wirral Country Park, you’ll find Thurstaston Beach – a long sweep of sand and dunes where you and your four-legged friend can run free and enjoy the sea air.
The Wirral Way, a 12-mile walking trail, runs just behind the beach and offers a different route along the old railway line, finally heading inland to Hooton.
Whether you explore the park, hit the beach, or amble along part of the Wirral Way, don’t miss the chance for a tasty treat at Flissy’s Coffee Shop, on Station Road.
Open until 5 pm every day and 5.30 pm on weekends, the café is so dog-friendly, they even serve dog sausages and dog ice cream. And don’t get us started on the delicious meals and cakes for humans!