Milton Keynes Ramblers talk the talk so residents can walk the walk

To celebrate National Walking Month (May), Milton Keynes housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has teamed up with walking group Milton Keynes Ramblers, to help residents get on the front foot with some top tips.

As Covid-19 restrictions are easing, the nights are getting lighter and the weather is getting warmer, there is no better time to put those trainers on and get walking, and there’s no better place to do it than Milton Keynes.

In fact, Milton Keynes was a runner up in the Ramblers best Walking Neighbourhoods in 2019 due to its fantastic variety of green spaces, green infrastructure and commitment to connecting housing with local amenities. The local authority has invested in safety for pedestrians, street trees, and LED lighting.

With three major housing developments in the town, Brooklands, Fairfields and Woburn Downs, the homebuilder wants to encourage residents to keep active as Covid-19 restrictions ease.

Ian Dunford, Chair of the Milton Keynes Ramblers, said: “Milton Keynes is a great walking neighbourhood. It has a fantastic network of paths and green routes that enable you to get across the city in a safe, traffic free environment. It’s easy to get around and enjoy the town without taking a car. It really is a great place to relax and take a walk. We always welcome new members or enquiries about starting walking.”

The Milton Keynes Ramblers’ top walking tips are:

Plan ahead to avoid a disappointing outing

Check the weather forecast so you can pack the right clothing, see whether you can park nearby, and research what might be available in terms of toilets and refreshments. If you’re walking at a local beauty spot, you could plan to visit at a less busy time.

Check out the Countryside Code

As restrictions on where we can walk begin to ease, everyone should feel welcome in the countryside. Take a look at the newly refreshed Countryside Code to have the confidence and knowledge to enjoy walking outdoors and to act as champions for the environment.

For Ramblers’ information about the Countryside Code, visit https://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/latest-news/2012/may/refreshed-countryside-code.aspx.

Go on a mindful walk

We often rush in everyday life and forget to fully experience the present. Being mindful means noticing what is around you, reflecting on how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking about.

Walking is a perfect moment to be more mindful and take in everything you are seeing, hearing, feeling, touching and tasting along the way. Focus on your breathing and take in the fresh air around you.

There is growing evidence for the positive impact that walking can have for your physical and mental health, such as reducing blood pressure, lowering stress, improving sleep, combating depression, bolstering immunity and helping to keep blood sugar levels in check.[1]

Make use of online resources

If you’re looking for places to walk near you, using online resources may be able to help with the planning and tracking of your walks.

To help plan your route, Ramblers Routes, the Ramblers’ online collection of walk routes, has an easy-to-use search facility. Full route information for all walks of three miles or less are fully accessible by everyone.

To keep track of your walks, applications such as Strava can record your walks so you can look back at them and share them with friends.

Alison Raine, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Northampton, said: “These tips from the MK Ramblers are a great way for our residents to get moving during National Walking Month.

“Milton Keynes is a fantastic place to walk due to its number of parks and greenery. Many of our developments in the town have large open spaces for residents to enjoy.”

Barratt Homes is currently building properties in Milton Keynes at Brooklands, Fairfields and Woburn Downs. David Wilson Homes are also building homes at Fairfields and Woburn Downs, as well as at Brooklands Park.

For more information and advice about walking with the Milton Keynes Ramblers, visit: http://www.mkramblers.org.uk.

For further information about any nearby developments, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk, or call the sales team on 033 3355 8481 or 033 3355 8482.

[1] https://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/blogs/2021/february/the-power-of-forest-bathing.aspx