Whether you are chugging a glass of water to quench your thirst or taking an indulgent bath at the end of your day, water is our constant companion. But we often take it for granted. The river flowing by your feet during an outdoor ramble and the water gushing from your kitchen taps are part of a larger cycle. So think next time you leave the hose running! The less water we use, the more there will be in the ecosystem – to keep our reservoirs topped up and help wetland habitats to survive.
Walking with Water is CCW’s way of nurturing a meaningful connection between people and the water we use, by encouraging them to explore the places water comes from – rivers, streams and reservoirs. We think it’s perfectly in tune with The Outdoor Guide’s mission of getting people outdoors, connecting with nature and taking part in outdoor activities.
We’ve put all things related to Walking with Water on a website – www.walkingwithwater.org.uk/ Here you’ll find a comprehensive directory of walking routes offered by water companies across England and Wales. So if you want a watery walk near where you live or some ideas for your holiday, dive in and browse the breath-taking walks on offer.
CCW has also partnered with The Canal & River Trust – their postcode finder shows you waterside walks in your local area. If you’re walking in Wales, you can also find tailored walk guides and even a special edition of CCW’s ‘Waterfall’ podcast recorded out in the mighty Welsh countryside.
To help children start thinking about water efficiency, we have designed a booklet specifically for younger audiences. It aims to help kids make the connection between their water usage at home and the impact this has on the natural landscapes they explore. In the leaflet, you can find intriguing water-related facts, as well as a fun guide for young explorers.
There is a “bingo card” of things you might see on a water walk, a space to draw your route and a home pledge to encourage responsible water use from an early age. It’s available from nature centres across England and Wales, and it’s also free to download from www.walkingwithwater.org.uk/
We want to see your pictures – send photos of your own Walking with Water experience to PR@ccwater.org.uk to get featured along with the others on this page.
To help get you in the adventuring mood, here are a few of our favourite waterside walks. Would recommend!
Draycote Water – Warwickshire
If you fancy a relaxing walk by a reservoir, Draycote Water is ideal. It’s set in 24 acres of country park, so there’s plenty of space for playing games. The Hensborough hilltop is an excellent place for a picturesque picnic.
Kempyon Nature Reserve – London
The three bird hides at Kempyon Nature Reserve give you a wonderful opportunity to see some beautiful birds – lapwings, kingfishers and the elegant strut of great white egrets.
Davyhulme Nature Reserve – Manchester
This remarkable destination offers more than just a haven for diverse wildlife. It also features accessible walking paths and delightful pockets of greenery that are ideal for sitting down with a hamper and watching the world go by.
Lake Vyrnwy – Wales
Wales’s most breathtaking lake (yes, we’re calling it) is just over the Shropshire border. Lake Vyrnwy is a paradise for birdwatchers, cyclists and fishing aficionados. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature whether with family and friends or strolling in solitude.
Find out more information about CCW here and Walking With Water here.
