Stamford Ramblers aim to turn lockdown strolls into a permanent habit

A walking group in Stamford is planning to turn people’s lockdown strolls into a permanent habit.

Stamford Ramblers say hundreds of people discovered a passion for walking when they were only allowed to leave the home for an hour a day.

And now they are urging those same people to join up and reap the benefits of a good hike on a more permanent basis.

Alison Crow, chair of the group, said walking had been great for “exercise, escapism, stress-busting and enjoyment” during the three-month lockdown.

She said: “Longstanding Stamford Ramblers have enjoyed exploring the rarely walked footpaths close to their homes alongside revisiting familiar walks.

“Many found the unique quiet of lockdown revealed a wealth of wildlife including a fox with cubs, muntjac deer which together with birdsong, uplifting scenery and sunrises this spring were wonderful experiences at a very difficult time.

“We are now looking to support walkers old and new in the area to carry on enjoying walking, safely and responsibly, and make it a permanent habit as restrictions are slowly eased.”

The group is open to anyone, and has members from across the area, including Bourne and the Deepings.

“Joining the Ramblers, Great Britain’s largest walking community, gives walk lovers access to all-year-round support, advice and inspiration – online, via social media, and through a quarterly magazine,” added Alison.

She said a recent YouGov poll had revealed 74 per cent of Britons had taken up some form of exercise during lockdown, with the most popular form being a walk. More than half (55 per cent) are now walking for exercise.

Even before lockdown, increasing numbers of people were finding their feet. The latest Sport England ‘Active Lives’ annual survey found that walking was the most popular way for English adults to get active. Around 20.3 million people are now said to be walking for leisure, which is an increase of 1.2 million people over a year.

Meanwhile, walking has numerous, well-documented health and social benefits, and there is a growing evidence base for the benefits of walking as a way of dealing with stress-related mental health conditions.

A study published in June found that some 62 per cent of anxious adults had found a walk helped them cope during lockdown, whilst 47 per cent said they had greatly benefited from being able to visit green spaces.

Alison said there are more than 3,000 routes across Great Britain, with several in this area, developed by walkers for walkers of all levels of experience.

“There’s lots of friendly advice and support, and a big Ramblers welcome waiting for anyone in the Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings area who joins Stamford Ramblers,” she said. “So if you’ve recently got into walking, or you’ve rediscovered a taste for it, why not get in touch and find out more?”

For more information call 01780 755681 or 07519 376992 or visit the Facebook page. For routes, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes-and-places-to-walk/about-ramblers-routes.aspx