The joy of an autumn walk
The trees are turning golden brown, the leaves crunch beneath your feet… TV presenter Kate Humble, who lives in the Wye Valley, reveals why this time of year is so special to her
Kate Humble reveals why this time of year is her favourite
She is known for delighting in nature on Countryfile, so it’s no surprise to learn that broadcaster Kate Humble has always loved walking. Here, she reveals her top tips on getting the most from your daily stroll and why the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has brought so much to her life.
Hardly any of us get close to 10,000 steps a day. But to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, we need to walk more. The problem is ‘need’ makes it another thing on the endless to-do list of life. But something as simple and pleasurable as walking should never be a chore.
It was my dogs who first helped me discover walking. I have three: terriers Badger and Bella, and Teg, my Welsh sheepdog, and they need to go out every day. Whatever the weather, I’ll start my morning with a dog walk. It’s a lovely, undemanding way of getting your thoughts in order, saying hello to the day.
Autumn is a wonderful season to walk. If you go into woodland, you’ll see what I like to think of as nature’s firework display: that great, beautiful array of colour before the leaves fall. You’re never too old to kick through leaves or collect conkers in your pockets. Forget health and safety, I think everyone should still have conker fights!
‘Walking is my processing time; it’s like a mental mini-break’
It’s also a great time to spot wildlife. The natural world is in a pre-winter frenzy in autumn. It’s when squirrels are collecting nuts and beech masts for their stores, tawny owls are starting to call and it’s mating season for deer; listen out for the sound of a stag bellowing and showing off to his ‘girls’. You may also see jays putting together great stores of acorns.
You don’t have to live in the countryside to love walking. I’m lucky to live in a rural part of Wales, but you can find beauty in cities, too – I often head to a park when I’m in London. There’s a huge benefit in giving yourself space from the hectic pace of life.
You don’t need expensive kit.
Some people like walking poles, but I personally find them a faff. You might want a small backpack, so you can carry a water bottle, a route guide and a picnic, but, equally, you can cram things into the pockets of your jacket. The most important thing is to have comfortable shoes. It’s worth going to an outdoor store and being fitted for a reliable pair. Good shoes and good socks make all the difference.
I rarely take my phone with me.
Walking is my processing time; it’s like a mental mini-break, switching yourself off from the hectic life around you. I’ve often wondered whether there’s a connection between that intuitive rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other and the way our brains function. If I have an issue or something that I’m worried about, the headspace I find being in nature always helps me to reach a conclusion.
The link between walking and mental wellbeing is clear. Charities like Mind now run walking groups to help people who have depression or anxiety, while GPS are starting to offer ‘green prescriptions’ for people who have mental health issues, as part of a package of treatment.
If you don’t know where to start, buy a walking book. I love the Pathfinder Guides, which have comprehensive routes of varying distances for all areas of the UK (pathfinderwalks.co.uk).
Apps are good too. At 50, I’m of the age where none of this tech stuff is very intuitive to me, but I do recommend the Ordnance Survey app: you have the entire UK in the palm of your hand.
My own navigating skills are far from brilliant. My husband, Ludo, slightly despairs! But don’t worry about getting lost; it is actually pretty hard to get properly lost. And one of the lovely things about being in the countryside is that people will stop and help.
If you’re struggling with motivation, think of walking as a treat. Start by going to a place that you love, whether it’s your local park or a walk along a river. Instead of catching up with a friend over an expensive latte, why not go for a stroll to chat? That way, you’re having fun and being good to your body, too.
• Thinking On My Feet: The Small Joy Of Putting One Foot In Front Of Another (Aster) by Kate Humble is out now