In fact, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13 – 19) is moving more for mental health.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for where to go for a leisurely stroll, a brisk walk to blow away the cobwebs or a chance to get back to nature we’ve got you covered. Green space is included in or near many Redrow locations, making it easier to plan a walking route and enjoy the health benefits of walking. Read on to discover some of our favourite walking routes.
Reasons why walking is good for you
Walking is perhaps one of the simplest ways to lead a more active lifestyle. It’s free and you don’t need lots of expensive equipment.
- Screen time has increased in the last decade. Going for a walk provides an opportunity to turn off from screens and take a digital detox. According to Living Streets, reducing screentime and taking regular walks can improve sleep cycle.
- Walking provides a chance to gather our thoughts. If you’re walking with friends or family, talking things through while you’re walking can help.
- While walking is a low impact physical activity, it can help maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall fitness.
- Walking provides an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and get back to nature. There’s a strong link between access to green space and mental health. A study by the mental health charity Mind found that the majority of people reported decreased levels of depression, feeling less tense and increased self-esteem after taking a walk in a green environment.
- While you’re out walking you can meet new people. Redrow homeowner Karen Lee is a regular walker with Mid Cheshire Walkers. She said: “It was great to get out in the fresh air and take in our local landscape, which we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. Walking is a wonderful way to meet people.”
How to choose where to walk
Many Redrow homes’ locations include walking connections to the wider neighbourhood, and some have walking trails. Our Placemaking principles include ensuring the communities we create are easy to get around, with places to go and things to do, with “streets for life” helping create a sense of community while making it easier to live a healthier lifestyle.
When you’re trying to plan a walking route, consider these factors:
- Distance – how far do you plan to walk and is there a set route to take to cover that distance, with a natural start and finishing point?
- Duration – if you’re short on time, walk in one direction for half of that time and then turn back.
- Terrain – a pair of trainers or sturdy flat shoes will be fine for a short walk on a relatively flat surface or pavement, but if you’re scaling rocky or muddy ground you might want to invest in a sturdy pair of walking boots.
- Weather – be prepared for the Great British weather. From suncream and sunglasses to wellies and waterproofs, warm hats, and coats, it’s important to dress accordingly.
Lancashire: Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail
Close to our coming soon Calder Grange development in Billington it features more than 20 permanent works of art, created by artists who worked with the local community.
It travels through Brungerley Park and Cross Hill Quarry, a local nature reserve managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
Yorkshire: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Close to Woodland Vale and our coming soon Bluebell Court developments.
Book tickets to explore the indoor and outdoor art exhibitions set amid 500 acres of fields, hills, woodland, lakes and formal gardens at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. These historic grounds were once part of the Bretton Estate, with a country manor at the centre.
Derbyshire: The Thorpe Cloud Walk
Enjoy one of the UK’s best-known valleys, complete with breath-taking views, water meadows and the famous Dovedale stepping stones.
The 3.75-mile circular route begins and ends at the Dovedale Car Park, off the A515, around 35 minutes’ drive from Hackwood Grange, The Nook and Foxbridge Manor and is mostly easy walking with a steady climb.
Devon: Pinhoe Circular Walks
There are picturesque walks aplenty local to our Saxon Brook development in Pinhoe, on the outskirts of Exeter, in Devon.
A short mile and a half walk across tracks, bridle paths and lanes along the Pin Brook, past the old Brick Factory, climbing steadily to Pinhoe Church with stunning views of the Exe Estuary, should take around 30 minutes.
Cheshire: Delamere Forest Gruffalo Trail
The Gruffalo is celebrating its 25th birthday and you can enjoy the party trail at Delamere Forest, close to several of our Cheshire developments, including Redrow Hartford.
The interactive 1.5mile Gruffalo party trail features party-themed activities and games, with fun facts about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.
Learn more about the mental and physical health benefits of having nature on your doorstep.
We’d love to see your photos of walks near your Redrow home. Tag us on social media and use the National Walking Month hashtag #WalkThisMay
