Get active outdoors this Spring
The snowdrops are out, the first sign that the days getting longer and spring is on its way. With more daytime hours to get out and about, we’ve listed some clubs, events and walking groups happening this spring time, to help you blow the winter cobwebs away.
There are tough physical challenges like trail runs and half marathons, short 5 mile walks for health, walks to make friends and have a relaxed chat outdoors, or opportunities to improve your mental health and wellbeing in nature a supportive atmosphere.
Physical challenges
Trail Running Events
The spring programme includes introductions to navigation, a marathon and half marathon, a range of 10km trails, including a brewery trail run, and the Chiltern Hills Challenge. Read more.
Gentle Health Walks - under 5 miles
Walking for health
Locations around Bedfordshire include Dunstable Downs, Barton le Clay, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Houghton Regis. Walks range from 10 minutes to 90 minutes and are designed to introduce people to the benefits of regular moderate exercise.
In other locations, visit Walking for Health – to find your local health walk.
Chiltern Society walks programme
The Chiltern Society offers two to three five mile long walks every week, designed to improve physical and mental health.
Accompanied walks at the Chilterns Open Air Museum
An award winning social prescribing project to tackle social isolation in the elderly community and support health and wellbeing. Individuals, couples and dogs are invited to the museum, free of charge, for an accompanied walk with a knowledgeable and friendly volunteer. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy an hour’s walk around the museum (or can be driven around in a golf buggy) and learn about the 37 heritage buildings, gardens, park and woodland, or simply just chat. Before heading back home, walkers are offered refreshments, a chance for further conversation and are invited back for a return visit.
10km Walks and Talks
Dadima’s Countryside Walks and Talks 2022 Programme
Dr Geeta Ludhra, a member of the Chilterns Conservation Board, has started a wonderful intergenerational walking community offering 10km walks in the Chilterns. She aims to make the countryside feel like a safe place for people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds – so that everyone can access to health and wellbeing benefits that time in nature can bring. This year’s programme includes walks noticing details of nature, a walk for South Asian Heritage Month, geology & birdwatching walks and more. Discover the 2022 programme
Wildlife Walks
GG Wildlife Experiences – photography and wildlife watching on the river
Steve, ‘The Bird Whisperer’ Gzodz offers wonderful wildlife walks and experiences. Special experiences include his as Owl and Wildlife Photography Workshops, and Wildlife on the Water experiences by river taxi.
“Tallulah” is a shallow bottomed boat which allows participants to get close to banks and the wildlife itself – a great way to observe without disturbing, and also means we can move as nimbly or slowly as we wish. Check the website for dates of Owl Photography workshops, and the Wildlife on the water Boat tours next available dates are May 22nd and July 16th.
Visit GG Wildlife Experiences website for more information and to book.
Pub Trails - self guided
Brakspear Pub Trails for country walks that start and finish at a pub, simply download the app, or pick up a copy of a map from the pub of choice (for a 50p donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care). Don’t forget to book a table in the pub of choice if you want to finish with a meal as well as a beer! Read more
Heritage and Themed Walks
Amersham Museum’s guided history walks
Starting in April, these walks offer fascinating insights into the history of Amersham Old Town. The walks will be 2.30pm from Amersham Museum on Saturdays and Sundays. Including walks led by guides in Tudor Costume, walks learning about early history and post-war Amersham. £5 for adults, children free, 1.5 to 2 hours long. Read more
The Heritage Trail in High Wycombe
A self guided trail that follows life in the town during World War One. Download the trail on your mobile, including videos, photos and commentary from soldier John for each location.
Ewelme Watercress Beds (image Chiltern Society)
Ewelme Watercress Beds Tours
Monthly including 3 April and 1 May. Read more
Capture the Chiltern Hills
Photography workshop walks with Matt Writtle. Monthly including 3 April and 1 May, Chesham. Read more
Walk George Orwell’s Golden Country
Various dates. 10 miles. Walk through Orwell’s childhood landscape near Henley on Thames and gain insights into places that may have influenced his work. Read more
Visit Danesfield House – themed events
Including The Danesfield House Gardens and Hillfort Tour, 25 May, 11am and 2pm. Read more
More Self Guided Walks
Burnham Beeches sensory trail
A 1km buggy-friendly walk visiting 6 sculpture, each exploring a different sense. Park at Lord Mayor’s Drive SL23PS. The walk starts at the café through the gates signposted Burnham Beeches nature reserve. Pick up a trail leaflet from the information point.
Improve your Mental Health and Wellbeing in Nature
Rest and Reflect sessions at Lindengate
Have you or your teens been struggling with wellbeing and isolation during the pandemic? Lindengate, near Wendover, is a place to relax and unwind and enjoy exploring the 5 acre garden.
Planted for 13 – 15 year olds is a 6 week programme focussing on aspects of wellbeing from self-care to resilience. Alternatively there’s the Green Volunteens, a chance for under 18s to take part in nature based activities and bushcraft, supported by experienced volunteers. Wellbeing Pathways for adults with low to moderate mental health needs is also a chance to improve wellbeing through nature based activities. And there’s a Women’s Wellbeing Group supporting women from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. Read more
Dudes and Dogs CIC
This walking group was established as a safe place for men to get together, walk and talk about mental health if they feel like talking (with no pressure) – with or without their dog! Hour long walks take place on Sunday mornings. Check the website for walk details. Read more about the thinking behind Dudes and Dogs here.
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