Now that the start of summer is just around the corner, the longer days present a perfect time to break free from the indoor routine and step outside.
May marks National Walking Month, a time dedicated to encouraging people to get outside in any way they can. The aim is to help people connect with their community and the world around them, enabling them to disconnect from any mental stress they may have.
From less stress and boosting your mood, to improving sleep and reducing feelings of loneliness, getting moving and exploring the outdoors bring with it an enormous number of mental and physical wellbeing benefits.
Mindful walking
Whether it’s a short stroll or a towering trek - whatever the distance, the benefits of exploring the outdoors can be enhanced by walking ‘mindfully’.
This practice involves paying attention to the sensations of your body and surroundings while exploring the outdoors. It allows you to bring your awareness to the present moment, promoting a sense of calm and connection with the wider world. Practicing mindful walking can be done in many ways, such as:
- Walking slower than usual
- Focusing on the rhythm of our steps or the turn of our wheels
- Noticing the sounds, smells and sights around you
- Diverting the mind from wandering by bringing your attention back to sensation
How to get involved
This month has brought with it a range of initiatives to get the nation outdoors, including Walk to School Week and multiple ‘Walking Festivals’ across West Yorkshire, where locals can get their walking boots on and join others on a series of walking activities for all ages.
Walking groups are being held across West Yorkshire, such as Take a Hike and Girls Who Walk in the Leeds area, and The Ramblers, covering both Leeds and Calderdale.
Local walking routes
When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, our Leeds and Halifax offices are just a stone’s throw from the beautiful landscapes and rich history that Yorkshire has to offer. Here’s a few of our West Yorkshire walk route recommendations, for those wanting to get moving this May:
5 miles, partly wheelchair accessible route
Location: Harewood
The Harewood House circuit boasts a route around the outskirts of the Harewood House grounds, featuring lovely woodland, a café pitstop at Muddy Boots and a range of wildlife including sights of highland cows and deer. Sections of the walk are accessible for wheelchair users.
2 miles, wheelchair accessible route
Location: Malham
Taken from the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s accessible ‘miles without stiles’ routes, suitable for those in wheelchairs and buggies, the Malham Cove walk follows the unsurfaced woodland trail beside the stream and a well-surfaced footpath that takes you right up to the cove.
Malham Cove itself is renowned for its limestone amphitheater and iconic waterfall and affords stunning views down towards Malham and beyond.
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve
2 miles, wheelchair accessible route
Location: Calderdale
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve is one of the most important wildlife sites in Calderdale. The River Calder runs through the reserve, where you can find picturesque wetlands and meadows hosting a variety of insects and wildlife.
The route offers a two-mile stretch of wheelchair-accessible paths, including canal towpaths, river paths and purpose-built areas for wheelchair users to observe wildlife in the bird feeding area.
1.5 miles, wheelchair accessible route
Location: Halifax
This simple circular route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The well-surfaced route close to the reservoir is suitable for wheelchairs, with RADAR key locks at each end.
This walk is a great trail for bird watchers, with a wide variety of birds living there. There are adjoining paths to explore the surrounding woodland, a car park and public toilet to use, and The Causeway Foot pub on route for a post-walk pint.
