This September the Ramblers is getting the South East on its feet with Walk About – its biggest ever free nationwide walking event, offering a walk to suit everyone.
The festival takes place from Saturday 3rd September until Sunday 11th September, but people don’t have to wait to get started. This month (August) the Ramblers has launched a free online tracker that allows people to log their walking activity and make the most of everything the festival has to offer.
With over a thousand walks all over Britain throughout the festival, including 270 here in the South East, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from a short stroll in the park to a challenging hike up a mountain.
On the Island, a 5-mile walk is being held along the banks of the River Medina. Starting from Newport Quay the easy circular walk follows an old railway line, woodland, field paths and the Medina river, passing the site of the Ryde Queen paddle steamer. There’s also a possible extension past a farm and a disused rail station.
More details can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk/route-detail?routeuid=2885-Isle-of-Wight-Newport-Quay-New-Fairlee-Binfield-River-Medina.
The Ramblers’ director of walking development, Simon Barnett, said:
“We all know walking can do wonders for our wellbeing, which is why we want to get the nation on its feet with our biggest free walking festival to date. Walking is good for our health and our minds and we want everyone to be able to experience the many benefits and joys it can bring.
“But we want to encourage people to get more active in advance of the festival, which is why we’ve introduced our new online tracker, which allows people to log all their walking activity and monitor their progress. It’s a great way to build up activity levels, which means that by the time the festival comes around people will be able to step out on a longer walk.”
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Anyone can take part by visiting www.ramblers.org.uk/walkabout and starting to log their walking trips – whether short or long, in the town or the countryside, alone or with friends.
Simon added:
“We’re hoping the online element of Walk About will encourage people in the South East to walk more so we can create happier, healthier communities. Not only can you collect badges but there’s also a leaderboard, so people can race their friends and family to the top.
“With a walk to suit everyone, we want the nation to step out with us this September and join us as we Walk About Britain.”
Walk About is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help everyone, everywhere enjoy walking.
