January has been a gloomy month with dark days and what seems like never-ending rain. But the sunshine, clear skies, and a smattering of snow this week has prompted the Lake District National Park Authority to encourage people to ‘wander more this winter’ to benefit their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
In a series of videos and blogs, the Authority is highlighting inspirational individuals who have used the Lake District scenery to benefit their own health journeys, demonstrating that there is something for everyone no matter their fitness levels or outdoor experience.
And this winter it’s cheaper than ever before to travel around the Lakes by bus, as there’s a newly introduced charge of only £2 for any single journey until March. Staff from the National Park Authority have blogged about how easy and enjoyable it is to hop on a Stagecoach bus and wander more this winter.
But central to exploring the Lake District is being Adventure Smart and asking yourself three things before you start.
The Authority’s Fell Top Assessor team provide a daily condition report that is always good to have to hand before setting out, especially onto the higher fells. You can read it on www.weatherline.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @LakesWeather for the report and other useful safety advice throughout the winter season.
Guest bloggers speak candidly about their own health struggles and how they were able to make the first tentative steps outdoors in the Lake District, offering their top tips for anyone else who wants to improve their health or fitness.
Jay Mistry, who leads the annual Christmas Day Santa hike in the Lake District to help combat loneliness, says that absolutely everyone can benefit from becoming more active. He comments:
“It’s little steps on a big journey, whether you want to lose weight or improve your mental health, the first step is as simple as just getting outdoors. The Lake District has something for everyone, there’s beautiful low and high walks and short and long hikes, so choose whatever you're comfortable with.”
Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-runner, motivational speaker, and author. He founded the Mind over Mountains charity to encourage others to embrace the benefits of the great outdoors. He’s shared his thoughts on the power of goal setting for our mental health.
He said: “As we start each year, we’re given the opportunity to start afresh: an exciting clean slate of goals and challenges to fill our diary with a burst of renewed energy and optimism. But be realistic, even setting small daily goals can have huge benefits for our physical and mental well-being.”
To read all of these inspiring blogs in full please visit The Blog : Lake District National Park, and please do tag us in any of your wanderings with #WanderMoreThisWinter.
