Walking Your Way to Health
National Walking Week 2005 is here, but walking doesn't have to be about trekking up steep hills, walking in the rain or getting muddy. It can be one of the best forms of exercise if you want to shape up this season.
Why not explore the countryside in the South East of England for some of the best walking trails around with the help of Tourism South East's Escape into the Countryside brochure.
Choose a gentle stroll through the New Forest - recently awarded National Park Status, or walk along the Dover coastline and experience the sea breeze. You could even choose to step it up a gear with a walk along the Chiltern or Surrey Hills. Whatever you choose, each walk will provide you with a totally different experience.
It has been proven that for every mile you walk, you burn approximately 100 calories, so a visit to one of the eleven areas of outstanding natural beauty that the South East has to offer will turn this calorie burning exercise into a pleasant day out with spectacular scenery.
If you feel you need to escape the hectic stresses of everyday life, then a weekend break in the countryside is a must. Walking can help reduce stress levels and with the stunning views the South East has to offer you will be totally relaxed. You could stay in a distinctive country inn* or a B&B set in the idyllic surroundings of the countryside.
It is not just the impressive views and landscape that the South East has to offer. Many of the routes will take you through historic villages and hamlets with various attractions around the region. Whether you are walking as a family or with friends, there are a host of activities for you to enjoy along the way, which are all detailed in the brochure.
To find out about any of the trails, the surrounding attractions and accommodation in the South East pick up Escape into the Countryside. Each walk featured in the brochure has details of their length, estimated time needed, how it is way marked and key points of interest along the way. You can pick up a copy of the brochure from a Tourist Information Centre or download individual walks online at www.visitsoutheastengland.com. To order a brochure call 023 8062 5505.
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For further press information and photography please contact Laura Eden Tourism South East 023 8062 5474 or email leden@tourismse.com.
Notes to the editor -
1) Tourism South East is the strategic tourism body for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex.