The new Government-backed Britain on Foot campaign aims to inspire people to explore the great outdoors with a leisurely stroll. Here, Telegraph Travel offers a few ideas.
The campaign (Britainonfoot.co.uk) was launched last week to inspire people to spend more time enjoying walks, with organisers citing the major health benefits the activity can bring.
According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, 150 minutes of light exercise a week, including walking, could extend the average life span by more than four years.
Here are a few ideas for un-demanding walks that would fit the bill.
A walk up to the waterfall at Hareshaw Linn through the wood is great when the spring flowers are out and the migrant birds have returned.See here for many more free, downloadable Rangers Favourite Walks to suit all abilities
If you want to explore at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the Forest but do not want to get lost, take a self-guided walk. All vary in distance from a quarter of a mile to two-and-a-half miles and are on a circular route. More information: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/easy_walks
The Monmouth and Brecon Canal runs through the National Park starting at the canal basin in Brecon. The Canal has level footpaths to walk along with stunning views of both the canal and the hills beyond
On Deeside, a walk around Loch Muick is a firm favourite. Red deer can usually be seen grazing in the glen, and there is a small visitor’s centre which gives a good insight into the local fauna and flora. There are fine views of Lochnagar to the north, and Broad Cairn to the south. Follow well made paths on the loch side, to the impressive Glas-allt Shiel house... the Speyside Steam Railway provides a fun and convenient means of returning you to your starting point in Aviemore, at the end of the day.
Dunster Forest, with parking at Nutcombe Bottom, has a wide range of well signed walks along tracks and paths within the forest. The 'Hats Wood Walk' at 1.5 miles is a good introduction and takes one past chainsaw sculptures before returning past the Tall Trees Trail. The tallest tree in England, a Douglas Fir at 197ft (60m), was planted here in the 1870s and is in the company of many other impressive trees, including the tallest magnolia in the country.
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