Add variety to your route

VARYING your routes can provide a change of scenery, a range of distances and different conditions and levels of difficulty. You could build a list of your favourites. A bank of different routes can help to:

Pavements provide a level surface.

• Prevent boredom - Having alternatives means you're not going to stuck on the same track, mechanically retracing your steps over and over again.

• Match your mood – Sometimes you won’t feel like a long walk; other times you’ll want to challenge yourself.

• Tie in with other commitments – You may be pushed for time and not be able to manage a long walk, so shorter routes can help; easier to fit in around your schedule.

• Maintain motivation – By varying your walks you have more choice. You’re more likely to tackle something that’s achievable, than be put off by what seems like a daunting route march! Or you might just want something different to look at!

• Measure achievement – Knowing the distance and conditions can help you measure achievement. It’s not all about speed. Sometimes you might want to simply get a bit of air into your lungs and enjoy the scenery!

I chose a different, shorter route this morning of about two miles. This is all footpaths and public highways, generally bounded by leafy hedgerows. The paths are fairly flat and even, with one or two gentle slopes that get the muscles working.

A splash of colour en route.

I took a small camera with me, though this wasn't such a good idea in terms of sustaining a regular pace, as I kept stopping to take a snapshot. This would be ok for some sorts of walk, but it's satisfying to get into your stride, and develop that nice steady rhythm. 

Taking pictures disrupts that - but you do get to stop and look at what's around you!