Walking is becoming ever more popular and statistics show that those that are waling, are staying out for longer. Lauren a.k.a The Helplful Hiker is an Ordnance Survey Get Outdoors Champion and walking blogger who lives in Northamptonshire.
Her blog is ranked #119 by UK Travel Blogs and focuses on walking, hiking, camping and travelling all over the country. By becoming an Ordnance Survey champion she hopes to inspire others whilst also sharing her passion for the outdoors.
I asked her about her experiences and her favourite walks around Northamptonshire.
How did you get into walking?
I always enjoyed being outside from a young age but it wasn't until I met my husband about 5 years ago that I started taking walking seriously. Up until then I had only done short, local walks but he had done lots further afield. For example, Snowdon and the Lake District and I was keen to try it too. Our first weekend together was to the Peak District and I was hooked from that weekend on.
What do you enjoy most about it?
So many things! I mainly enjoy just getting away from the stresses of everyday life. Being outdoors is a great way to relax and refocus. It helps that there are usually great views to admire as well. It's basically meditation for me.
What is your favourite route?
My favourite route that we have done is the tourist path up Ben Nevis. I'm not going to lie, it was a long hard slog, but the views were incredible. It was better than anything I'd ever seen before, and of course the sense of achievement when I reached the top was fantastic. Scotland in general is stunning, such an amazing place if you like the outdoors, with amazing walking routes.
Do you have a particular favourite in Northamptonshire too?
I spend most of my time walking in Northamptonshire and I have a lot of favourites. If I had to go for one , I'd have to choose the section of Nene Way from Badby to Northampton as it goes through the village I was born in and many places where I spent my childhood and went to school. It also passes through some beautiful green countryside that is so abundant in Northamptonshire.
What was the inspiration for your blog?
It was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to share our walks and camping adventures, especially as my husband is a great photographer. To begin with it was mainly for my own sake and so our friends and family could see what we were up to. But then I started to read lots of other blogs and I found them a bit intimidating. I decided that there was room for a blog aimed at people who didn't have a lot of experience or expensive gear, but still wanted to get out walking and enjoying the outdoors.
What do you think are the benefits of the outdoors?
There are so many benefits. To begin with obviously there is the physical side. A sedentary lifestyle is as dangerous as smoking or drinking, yet we are so complacent as a society. Furthermore, the benefits to our mental health is staggering. I only have to step outside and go for a short walk to feel my stress and anxiety levels fall. There is also the fact that being connected to our surroundings and the natural world leads to greater awareness of environmental issues and greater respect for our world. Being outdoors also teaches us to assess risk, make informed decisions and is a great way to boost self confidence and self esteem.
The Viewranger app found that Brits spent more time walking in 2016 - do you think things aree heading in the right direction whren it comes to exercise and the outdoors?
We are definitely seeing signs of improvement, but there is still a long way to go. I see through my blog and the people that get in contact with me, that there us an appetite for outdoor adventure. Lots of people want to walk more and spend more time outdoors with their families. However, the statistics are frightening. About a quarter of British adults are obese, while more worryingly, one in four people won't walk longer than 15 minutes. I like to think that this situation is reversible, but when you read that children spend an average 6 hours in front of a screen a day, there is a lot of work to be done!
How does it feel to be an Ordnance Survey Get Outside Champion?
I am immensley proud to be a Get Outside Champion. it is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me and I think that today it is a very importnat role. I hope that busy families will be able to relate to me and that I can inspire them. I work 50 hours a week, I'm a mum to a toddler, I run my blog and I still have time to get outside. If I can do it anyone can and I hope to prove that this year! If I can make even a small difference, then I will be very happy.
