Peaceful Walking Routes to Clear the Cobwebs
Shake off the winter blues with these peaceful walking routes to clear the cobwebs. Refresh yourself; get back to nature.
Peaceful Walking Routes to Clear the Cobwebs
https://www.contours.co.uk/peaceful-walking-routes-to-clear-the-cobwebs
by Sue Talbot
It’s usually around this time of year I start yearning for lighter days and longer walks to help clear my mind and beat off the winter blues. Peaceful walks in nature mean so much more than just getting my daily steps in — they nudge my nervous system, lower my blood pressure and stir a quiet dialogue between me and the landscape.
I have many go-to spots when I’m in need of nature therapy, but these peaceful walking routes are particularly close to my heart.
Lying beneath the gaze of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike, Grasmoor and other notable fells, Buttermere is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District.
Following the well-trodden footpath that hugs the water, I feel humbled by the majesty of the landscape. As I pay close attention to nature’s soundtrack — listening to the gentle lapping of the water and the chatter of birds — the perpetual hum inside my head begins to fade and I drift into a more peaceful reverie.
This 4.5-mile flat, circular walk around Buttermere is perfect for a gentler stroll and there are lots of interesting things to spot along the way. Watch the cascades of Sour Milk Gill tumble down the fellside and take a detour up to Buttermere Infinity Pool for stunning views across the valley.
There are few natural remedies that are as healing as a forest walk.
Surrounded by ancient oaks that have withstood the Norman Invasion and tell tales of England’s most famous folkloric outlaw, Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest possesses an indescribable allure.
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I feel at peace here as I watch the play of light in the trees and squint to hear the unmistakable drumming sound of the woodpecker.
Northumberland never fails to inspire and reinvigorate me with its windswept and rugged landscape.
The 84-mile stretch of ancient stones that make up Hadrian’s Wall is steeped in history and takes me on a poignant journey in time. As I pass through ancient Roman sites, the nagging voice in my head, reminding me of deadlines and ever-increasing to-do lists, pauses for an hour or two.
Hadrian’s Wall Path winds its way across rolling hills to viewpoints that seem as though they were created by the gods to bring hope and peace. The section from Housesteads to Twice Brewed is especially impressive, with its historic forts and local wildlife.
Hidden inside a scenic valley deep in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Lud’s Church is a fascinating natural gorge shrouded in legend. Walking through its moss-covered rock formations, I relax into a slower pace as I soak in nature’s magnificent handiwork.
Lud's Church by Nathan Jones. Shared, edited, under a Creative Commons licence.
The 2-mile trail from the nearby village of Gradbach snakes along the River Dane, producing a soothing symphony to the walk. If you want to extend your walk, you can easily transform it into a circular adventure, and I’d recommend continuing up to The Roaches for panoramic views over the Staffordshire Moorlands.
My next walk starts out from the quiet village of Kettlewell in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The 7-mile, circular route takes me to the summit of Great Whernside, where I perch myself on a large rock and let the scenery and tranquillity wash over me, the finest reward for a moderate hike.
As I reflect on my walk, I’m reminded of the unrivalled impact that nature has on my well-being.
Adventure Travel Blogger
Sue Talbot is an adventure travel blogger and iPhone photographer who’s often found hiking up the Lakeland fells or swimming in fairy pools. Her outdoor adventures and photographs can be found on her blog, Lifehop, and also her Lake District Lovers Facebook page.
