After a sadly soggy August, September looks set to give us a few rays of sunshine, so Metro has decided to make the most out of the outdoors and is encouraging all passengers to shake down their walking shoes, trainers or even welly’ boots and head out for a good ol’ ramble this weekend to blow away the cobwebs!
As if especially made for the occasion we feature local walking maps on our website. Whether you choose by your nearest Metro station or you go by Metro to explore another part of the Tyne and Wear area it’s up to you!
Metro has something for all levels of fitness and interests, from 2.5 miles around a lake and through the Marden Quarry Nature Reserve from Tynemouth to North Shields, five miles from West Jesmond to Jesmond where you will visit ‘Newcastle’s Lung’, or if you’re feeling really fit, why not go for an nine ‘miler’ from South Shields to Seaburn where you could even stop off and wander around the Museum and Art Gallery of renowned writer Catherine Cookson!
To make sure we’re all prepared for the weekend’s rambles we thought we’d ask leading expert Karen Inkster, Led Walks Officer, Ramblers Association for her top tips:
1. Choose a walk that is within your ability, you won’t enjoy it if it’s too long, too challenging or you get lost!
2. Check the weather forecast for the area you intend walking in. Some areas have their own mini climate, it maybe glorious sunshine where you are but torrential rain only a half hour away.
3. If you are walking in the hills, fell or moorland ensure you take a map and compass and know how to use them.
4. Make sure you have suitable equipment for the walk you are undertaking; this includes food, water and appropriate clothing and make sure you carry a mobile phone with a fully charged battery!
5. Let someone know where you are going, the walk you are undertaking and when you are expected back. They can then raise the alarm if you do not return.
6. Be prepared to turn round if circumstances change, whether that be declining weather, or feeling unwell or sustained injury.
The Ramblers Association is Britain's walking charity, working to safeguard the footpaths, countryside and other places we go rambling, it also encourages more people to get involved and enjoy their surroundings. With 125,000 members in England, Scotland and Wales, it has been working for walkers for 75 years. For more information on The Ramblers Association visit www.ramblers.org.uk
Do you have a route that you regularly walk? Share your rambling tips and photos with us, email [email protected]