Does your perfect Christmas Day and Boxing Day include a walk in the countryside? If so, here’s a list of the best walks in our area for you to try out over the festive period.
Somer Valley Ramblers, a group putting together monthly walks for members, have tried out the best routes in our area. Whether you want to get your blood pumping with a brisk walk, or just a leisurely stroll, here are some local favourites:
The Limestone Link, suggested by Somer Valley Ramblers, is a 38 mile recreational route connecting the West Mendip Way at Shipham to The Cotswold Way at Cold Ashton, and joins the limestone of the Mendips to the limestone of the Cotswolds.
Most of the route is easy walking, with elevations onto the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills. Expect to walk through farmland, river and canal sides, wooded areas, pretty villages and open access land. See routes here: http://ow.ly/Bhjw50M5wJl
Marilyn Weeks, said: “Our local cycle path/greenways are lovely, Midsomer Norton to Radstock, on to Kilmersdon, on to Mells or from Radstock to Shoscombe and on to Wellow.”
Further afield, B&NES Council have launched ‘Weekly Wellbeing Walks’ in Bath to encourage the health benefits of walking in the New Year.
Anyone looking for an easy way to exercise outside during the winter is invited to take part in a Weekly Wellbeing Walk organised by Bathscape.
The range of walks are led by volunteer guides with the aim of encouraging people to remain active and improve their health during the colder months.
Throughout January and February there will also be a regular evening walk on a Monday evening for anyone wanting to take part after work.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People and Communities, said: “This is a great idea to get people outside in the colder winter months. Walking in a group is a nice way to make new friends and get some fresh air. The Weekly Wellbeing Walks include strolls through Bath’s natural landscape through parks, along the rivers or through woods as well as short walks followed by a cup of tea in central Bath, which are wheelchair/buggy accessible and welcome assistance or guide dogs.”
11am Monday: From the Pavilion Café, Royal Victoria Park. 90 minutes, 2 – 3 miles
6pm Monday (January and February): From Laura Pace, BA2 4BL. 1 hour, 1-2 miles
12.30pm Tuesday: In partnership with Time Bank Plus, meet at their office, 86 High Street Twerton. 1 hour, approx. 1 mile
10.30am Wednesday: Route varies. Check website. 1 hour, approx. I mile.
11am Thursday: From Monksdale Road Allotments in partnership with Bath Mind. 1 hour, approx. I mile.
Various times Fridays: Routes vary but are 3-4 miles and fairly flat, please get in touch if you’re interested in this walk.
You can find more information about the walks by calling: 01225 477 265 or: emailing [email protected].