Hello Toggers!
Whilst the past few weeks may have been too hot for most of us to step outside for too long, spending some time basking in the sunshine has been proven to be beneficial for your health. It goes without saying that you do need to take precautions when in the sun, but spending as little as five minutes in the early morning sunshine can give us a well needed boost of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is crucial for our innate immune system to function, helping us fend off many viruses that may attack our body. It’s created by the ultraviolet light in sunshine hitting our skin, before travelling on to our kidneys and liver. Experts suggest that anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes exposure of sunlight on the face, neck and arms everyday can make a huge difference.
The sun helps more than just with vitamin D production though. Studies have also shown that heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, some cancers, depression and dementia have all been linked to a deficiency in sunshine. Sunlight also plays a pivotal role in setting our circadian rhythms and moderating our natural production of melatonin.
Whilst sunshine offers a good and natural boost for your body – make sure you’re being sun safe. Limit the amount of time you’re out in direct sunshine, wear appropriate SPF for your skin type and wear a wide brimmed hat and cover up to prevent yourself from burning.
Explore the Commonwealth Walkway
With the World Cup now over, the summer of sport continues with the Commonwealth Games that start today in Glasgow. Our walk this week takes us on a 34km circular hike around Glasgow on the Commonwealth Walkway, a route created by The Outdoor Trust in celebration of the 2014 Commonwealth Games that were also held here. The route takes us past not only some of the sporting venues but also some of the cathedral, Botanical Gardens and river.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Glasgow? We love the Grand Central Hotel in the heart of the city and conjures up images of the grand days of Victorian travel.
The People Who Make the Path Worth Taking
Think about the last time you returned from a walk feeling genuinely lighter, more settled, and connected.
It isn’t always the route itself that does it—sometimes it’s the person who spotted the kestrel above the ridge, or the quiet moment shared with a group at a viewpoint.
T.A. Leonard, who founded HF Holidays in 1913, called that feeling ‘altogetherness’, and over a century later, it’s still at the heart of every stay.
You feel it through their 600+ volunteer leaders who guide you through the landscapes, love sharing them, and always with some interesting stories woven in. You feel it back at the full-board country house, sharing stories over dinner, and you feel it whether you’re out walking, wildlife watching in Northumberland, or painting in the hills.
We feature HF Holidays because we know our TOG community belongs there. And if you are ready to book, we have arranged something for you, head to the Bradders Bonus section at the bottom of the newsletter…
Four Things For You
Bradders Bonus!
Use one of these codes on any new HF Holidays booking before 11.59pm on 31st October 2026. They stack on top of existing HF member discounts.
- UK and Partner breaks • £20 off per person: TOG20
- European breaks • £40 off per person: TOG40
- Worldwide Collection • £70 off per person: TOG70
Or call the dedicated TOG line on 020 3974 8872 and let the team find the
right break for you!
One code per booking. No cash alternative. New guests and existing HF members are both eligible. Full terms at hfholidays.co.uk/booking-conditions.
Whether you have been inspired by a new route, moved by a story, or are simply ready to get your boots on, the path is always there when you are. We hope to see you out on it soon!
