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Louise Pyne's blog

Step up and step out

Spring is my favourite season. From daffodils to blossoming apple trees, the smell of freshly cut grass to the sounds of the birds singing, I take the warmer weather as a signal to liven up my regular fitness routine and explore the Great British outdoors.

And I’m not alone in my passion, walking has become one of the nation’s favourite fitness activities and it’s easy to see why. After all it creates the same emotional euphoria as running, yet it’s kinder on the joints. Going for regular strolls results in a slimmer waist and let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as satisfying then a crisp evening stroll as the sun goes down, a coastal cliff top walk listening to the sounds of crashing waves or simply a relaxing river-side ramble post-lunch. I think one of the reasons that I adore walking comes from the fact that I’m a city dweller who spends two hours a day battling jam-packed tubes on the daily commute to work which isn’t much fun so for me, there’s something quite stress-relieving about slipping on a pair of walking boots and heading to the countryside for a quintessentially English weekend.

Walking can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like - whether you want to opt for tough terrain or a more relaxed route, the choice is yours.  Later this summer I’ll be lacing up my boots for the Three Peaks Challenge, which will see me tackling the three highest peaks in Yorkshire in an effort to raise money for charity, so over Easter it occurred to me that I had better start clocking up the training miles to help prepare me for the challenge that lies ahead. When it comes to getting outdoors and amongst it all in the UK, my top strolling spot is the Cotswolds. It’s a world away from London’s hustle and bustle and the perfect location to take in all that nature has to offer.

Gloucestershire offers picture-perfect rolling landscape as far as the eye can see, and in terms of paths you’re quite frankly spoilt for choice. The most famous walk in the region is The Cotswolds Way, a 100-mile long distance trail that runs from Bath to Chipping Campden, which passes through quaint villages, historic sites such as centuries old churches and houses. Although it’s on my to-do list to attempt the entire walk, so far I’ve only attempted the first part of the walk. Taking advantage of the sun-drenched days over the bank holiday weekend I worked my way across the 28km route from my base at Chippen Campden to the lovely village of Winchcombe. If like me you count yourself as a bit of a seasoned strider then you’ll love this trail. It offers impressive views and is a mix of both flat and hilly but not too challenging landscape. I headed out as the crimson sun peaked over the horizon with my trusty backpack and a map in hand, continuing to walk until the sun went down. The route took me through postcard-perfect rolling hills and valleys, beautiful woodlands, winding paths leading to historic hamlets complete with beautiful honey-coloured buildings all the while taking in the scenic views along the way. Now that’s got to be England at its best!

If you want to see what the Cotswolds has to offer then get yourself down to the Winchcombe Walking Festival, which takes place from 20-22 May. There will be 18 walks on offer varying in length and difficulty, so you’ll find something suitable for all fitness levels. See you there!