Walk to unwind

The various stages of life can often be distinguished by how we choose to spend our time. Yet, one common thread among workers, children and retirees is that much of that time is likely spent online.

On average, 650 emails land in UK office workers’ inboxes every week, with lawyers and management consultants grappling with 1,000–1,400 . Thanks to the rise of hybrid working and communication platforms like Teams and Zoom, the daily commute has waned for many - but any time saved is often swallowed by our inboxes.

And that’s just during work hours. In our personal lives, we’re just as tethered to screens — scrolling social media, replying to group chats, streaming content or checking notifications late into the night. With 58% of workers scouring emails as soon as they wake, and children and retirees not immune to their own unhealthy online habits, it’s little wonder that ‘digital detoxing’ is on the rise.

Disconnecting our phones not only gives us the space to rethink our relationship with technology, but it’s been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep. And for those of us planning to escape for a week or two this summer, there’s no better way to unplug than by getting lost in nature.

Walking is known to improve our mental as well as physical wellbeing. Exposure to green spaces lowers cortisol levels and calms the nervous system, reducing stress in the process. The natural environment has been known to help quiet the mind, lighten our mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Add unplugging to the mix and you’ll be able to reset, as the absence of distracting notifications allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and rhythms of the natural world.

Whether you’re craving a quick weekend escape or looking for a more challenging adventure, there will be a walk for you. We’ve selected some of the UK’s finest walks so you can put one foot in front of the other, slow down, reflect and enjoy the here and now.