Spring is the ideal time to get out walking in the great outdoors. As Goldilocks might have said, it’s not too hot and it’s not too cold!
So why not polish the boots and head out onto the highways and byways of Durham?
To help you develop the walking habit, during May’s National Walking Month there’s loads of support available for you.
Some of our colleagues enjoying a walk
Amanda Finn, Organisation Development Adviser from HR-OD, arranges fortnightly Wellbeing Walks and is keen to see more participants enjoy the walks, which start on campus at lunchtime and last for approximately 40 minutes
Walking is a great way to get your daily exercise and the Wellbeing Walks are a great social event too, helping you get to know colleagues from across the University. Even a short walk can make a huge difference to your health as it’s good for your bones and muscles and can help tackle stress.
As an enthusiastic walker herself, Amanda continues: “The best thing is, walking’s free and one of the easiest forms of exercise. Plus, at this time of year getting outdoors aids your general wellbeing, helping to make you feel better about the world in general!”
Wellbeing Walks
Amanda is inviting anyone at the University to come along to two Wellbeing Walks this month. You can join our walk leader, Senior Fitness Assistant at the Sports and Fitness Centre, Matt Connell and a number of other University staff for a lunchtime social walk.
To mark National Walking Month, the walks in May are open to both staff and students and will follow routes that Matt plans around campus.
You can book your place for:
Self-guided walks
There are many self-guided walks in and around the campus for you to enjoy.
Walking charity Living Streets has created two short walks from the Mountjoy Site for everyone in our community to enjoy.
Or you could choose one of several self-guided routes or plan your own walk around the Botanic Garden.
Whichever route you take, make sure to look out for the bluebells in Houghall Woods, as well as the cherry trees in the Botanic Garden, which are in full blossom in the Sakura Friendship Garden.
You could also head a little further afield to see the Wicker Man, or possibly go kingfisher or otter spotting at Low Burnhall Woods.
Walking from home
If you’re not on campus, it’s sometimes easy to forget to take a break and head out for a walk.
While working from home, you can find some useful tips to help you walk from home.
Durham County Council has information about how to explore your local area safely. You can also get information about walking and running on the DCC website.
Wherever you step out this spring, don’t forget to collect points on MyGreenspace.