People discover joy of stepping out in lockdown
LOTS of people have fallen in love with walking during lockdown.
Over the last year, being outside has been more exciting than it ever has.
So many of us really began to appreciate the feeling of wind on our faces and the squelch of small puddles under our shoes.
As we’re living through another national lockdown, it’s important to find the time and space to do things we love.
Lorna Phillip from Oldham is one of many who did just that by taking up walking.
She never really went out for walks beforehand but during the first lockdown she started going out every morning.
Not using the car was key for Lorna, so her walks have always begun from her own doorstep. They’ve given her a great chance to explore the local area.
Despite living in Oldham for 22 years, Lorna discovered a new world on her doorstep on foot.
“I’ve tried to follow different new paths and routes every day,” she says. “I’ve included routes around Leesbrook and Strinesdale as well as urban parts of Oldham, taking in new areas, animals and wildlife.”
As the restrictions eased friends started to join her. She says the walk sets her and friends up for the day. They don’t even know where they are going until they meet and just set off walking and have a little natter and back at her desk for the zoom calls to begin.
Lorna adds: “Walking has made me feel so much more relaxed. My blood pressure is down, my resting pulse rate has lowered, and I’ve noticed shape changes and some weight loss. I’m sleeping so much better too.” Now with a roadmap ahead to bring us out of lockdown, we can start to plan to walk with others again.
Walking with others can be a great way to catch up, build friendships or just have fun whilst getting some fresh air.
Not everyone knows where to walk or routes that are safe and suitable for them so we have released 30 self-guided strolls on the GO Jauntly App in and around areas of natural beauty and interest in Greater Manchester.
More than half of the routes are step-free and suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. The walks range from around 25 minutes (1.1km) to one hour, 40 minutes (3.7km) and can be viewed offline if downloaded beforehand. You can also find walking routes at gmwalking.co.uk/walkingroutes/
Walking has made me feel so much more relaxed. My blood pressure is down and my resting pulse has lowered