Hello Toggers!

Walks to inspire
Capturing walks in a more creative way
 
I don’t know about you but my phone is full of photographs taken on my daily walks. A tree, a leaf, a flower, a view … sometimes I wonder why I always do it? It is to preserve a moment in time? One that thinking about it was actually lost behind a phone screen. Perhaps there’s another way?
 
In years gone by walkers and travellers often took a sketch pad with them, or a journal, taking the time to really pay attention to the vista in front of them, to really observe it so they could capture its essence in their own unique way. Perhaps in a sketch, a painting or even as a poem. Not only is it a great way to notice more about the world around you, this kind of activity has been proved to boost your brain cells. So why not give it a try on your next walk. Leave your phone in your bag and get a bit creative instead.
 
When Alfred Lord Tennyson moved to the Isle of Wight in the 1870’s he composed many of his most beloved poems when on his daily walks across the downs. And coincidentally – our walk this week is inspired by one of his well trodden trails. 

Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight

Walks to inspire
This circular walk on the western side of the Isle of Wight takes in Alum Bay, the Needles and Tennyson Down, offering superb views out across the Solent as you go. The Tennyson Monument is at the highest point on the chalk cliffs of this part of the island. It was these views that inspired Tennyson to write many of his famous poems – I wonder what they’ll inspire in you?
 
Did you know that the Ordnance Survey Cartographers used to leave their names in the maps when they were drawn by hand? If you get the OS Landranger (1:50k scale – the pink one) map of the Isle of Wight and look closely at the cliffs by the Needles you’ll see the names of two of them!

Pink tractors and welly boots!

Walks to inspire
It’s fair to say that pink isn’t the colour you’d necessarily associate with agriculture – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be. Just as it’s not the case that all farmers are male. There are some extraordinary women working in agriculture – and that’s what agricultural and construction equipment supplier, Conagri, want to remind us all of. They’re raffling off two tractors (one pink and the other black) in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK – with the aim of inspiring more women to consider this path whilst raising money for two amazing causes.
FIND OUT MORE

Four Things For You

Walks to inspire
Walks to inspire
Walks to inspire
Walks to inspire

COMPETITION TIME! – Win the ultimate outdoor cooking bundle

Walks to inspire

Who doesn’t love fresh air, food and freedom? We’ve teamed up with our friends at The Nomad’s Kitchen to offer one lucky adventurer the ultimate outdoor cooking bundle worth £110 – it’s perfect for picnics, road trips and cooking under the stars on camping trips away

ENTER NOW!
Walks to inspire

BRADDER’S BONUS!
How would you like to spend a weekend in the Peak District with my friend and TOG Foundation Ambassador Gemma Hunt? Well here’s your chance. At the end of June Gemma is hosting Abide With Me – a weekend of faith, adventure and reflection from 27th to 29th June in the stunning Edale.

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK YOUR PLACE!

Wherever you’re off to – may you walk yourself happy in the week ahead!

Julia Bradbury