With the vivid colours Autumn brings, it’s arguably one of the best-loved seasons for walking and getting adventurous in nature. Whether you prefer an invigorating countryside hike or a misty woodland stroll, nothing quite beats the crunch of fallen leaves or trees cloaked in rich highlights of auburn red.
If you’re an active, outdoorsy family, the change in season brings with it heartwarming opportunities to walk in the fresh air and exercise together. In doing so, you’ll have a healthy routine to ensure everyone in the family is fit and happy ahead of the colder months of the year.
Benefits of a Shared Walk
The mental and physical health benefits of walking are well-documented, from reducing stress and boosting energy levels to making you feel happier. Indeed, the NHS advocates ‘walking for health’ for a brisk 10-minute one a day that counts towards your 150 minutes of recommended weekly exercise.
An accessible exercise even if you have toddlers, babies, or limited mobility, walking is the most natural form of exercise that can be achievable on a regular basis with little outlay. Walking together suits people of different ages and stages of life, making it one of the most inclusive activities too.
If you have recently moved home or relocated for a job, walking for every member of the family can be a great way to meet new people in any new area. Likewise, organising a group walk or joining a walking group can be an excellent way of making friends, finding your way around a local neighbourhood, and of learning about what’s going on in the community.
Combine Walks with Golf
If you want to join a different group sport or club, Autumn can be the perfect time to take up golf and encourage your children or older members of your family to learn the game. Although golf is often perceived as only an adult pursuit, it’s actually an excellent activity for families to enjoy walking and being outdoors together.
To get started on your family golfing adventures, you can visit your nearest driving range to practise your swing. As well as being a club activity, golf is another sociable and active way to meet new people and is a sport for life. If you develop a new found love of the sport, you can even invest in your own golf nets to practise shots together and perfect your skills at home.
Being an avid walker won’t guarantee a good handicap on the golf course, but endurance built through regular walking, and the general fitness it promotes, offers walkers a strong advantage when they come to play a long 18 holes. As a sport, golf can also become more popular with age for people eager to maintain their fitness, keep walking, and stay active outdoors for longer periods.
Cycle Along Different Routes
Alongside finding and enjoying new walking routes together, cycling is an excellent way to improve fitness for all the family, including your youngest riders who can sit comfortably on a bike seat. Cycling is a versatile sport that can be enjoyed in various settings, from local parks to countryside trails.
There are designated routes that are shared by walkers and cyclists across the UK. Cyclists can currently use about a quarter of all rights of way in England, and about a fifth in Wales. However, local highway authorities have created shared-use routes to accommodate both activities if you want to enjoy walks and cycle roads together as a family.
Before setting out on your cycling adventures, ensure everyone has a properly fitted bike and safety gear, including helmets. Cycling teaches important road and cycle safety skills, which are valuable life lessons for children. If you prefer to take to two wheels this Autumn, perhaps start with short, easy rides in traffic-free areas to build confidence and stamina. As your family’s skills improve, gradually increase the distance and try different areas, exploring your local countryside trails.
Discover New Places
Walking is not just a form of exercise; it’s a gateway to exploration and discovery. When it comes to learning about new areas, close to home or further afield, there’s no better way to do this as a family than on foot. In fact, both Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are signing up for walking tours more than ever when they travel because they are the best way to explore new destinations, enjoy low-impact exercise, and experience the local culture in an immersive way.
If you’re visiting friends or family this Autumn and are in a new area for the first time, treat any walks you go on as a chance to discover the location more. Leaving your car behind is a great opportunity to discover those hidden gems that are often overlooked when driving by. Wherever you are, you won’t be far from a scenic walk in the country or on a coastal route. Before you leave home, research popular walking trails that might surprise you with windmills, stunning lakes, and hidden waterfalls.
Unlike driving or cycling, walking allows you to move at a much slower pace, giving you that time to pause, take in, and observe your surroundings. You can discover some of the most stunning places, such as an organised Cotswolds tour ticking off well known landmarks or a walk in Snowdonia appreciating another portion of the UK’s wealth of natural beauty.
In addition, if you’re on foot, you also benefit from having the freedom to change your route on a whim if someone local recommends a nearby attraction. Some of the best discoveries often happen by chance. Whether it’s an unbelievable view from the top of a hill, a charming pub tucked away in a quiet village, or a friendly chat with a like minded walker, these moments might become the highlight of your walk.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, Autumn provides ample opportunities for families to stay active while connecting with nature and each other. For further walking inspiration consider reading Julia Bradbury’s book “Walk Yourself Happy.” Order your copy today, embrace this lovely season, and enjoy the great outdoors with the family.
