December 2019
Join the Ramblers this festive season with a winter wander, helping you to connect with more people locally, explore beautiful landscapes and discover a new feeling with every walk.
According to new YouGov survey results commissioned and released by the Ramblers this week, Brits are finding their feet when it comes to stress-busting. Over half of those who ever feel stressed (55.9%) reported that they had gone for a walk either by themselves, or with others, in nature or green spaces to help them deal with feelings of stress.
As the aftermath of the general election, Brexit and preparations for the imminent festive season combine to pile on the pressure, 34.3% of people polled said they often felt stressed, with 33.8% reporting sometimes feeling stressed and 8% saying they always felt stressed.
However, 89.9% of those polled agreed that walking in nature or green spaces helps them to unwind and relax.
It was cited by half (56.3%) of overall respondents who ever feel stressed and 66.8% of 25-34 year olds in this poll conducted by YouGov Plc – extremely high numbers of people reported experiencing positive wellbeing benefits from spending time walking in nature or green spaces. 70.1% said it made them feel peaceful; 69.8% said it made them feel calm and 58.7% said they felt happy.
Join the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks
These new statistics are released as the Ramblers’ 500 walking groups prepare to give everyone the chance to enjoy the wonderful winter landscape in good company – to relax, unwind and stress-bust, and to make new friends – by joining in with the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks from 20 December 2019 to 5 January 2020. Right across Great Britain, friendly Ramblers local groups will be hosting group walks which anyone can join for free.
During the festive season, many people can feel overwhelmed, stressed, isolated or disconnected from the outside world. But as our survey results show, more and more of us are discovering the health and wellbeing benefits of getting off the sofa, getting out and walking, and reconnecting with nature to lift our mood. Whether or not you’re already a Ramblers member or an experienced walker, we’re really looking forward to welcoming you on a Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks group walk
You can find your nearest Ramblers group walk for the festive season on the Ramblers website.
As part of the Festival the Ramblers has also created a free Walking in Winter Guide, packed with ideas and inspiration to explore the beautiful outdoors this festive season. The guide includes recipes from chefs Meera Sodha and Fred Ponnavoy, tips for taking winter photos by photographer Tom Sigler, walking routes, wellbeing tips, expert equipment advice, ways to stay active in 2020 and much more.
You can download it from the website now: www.ramblers.org.uk/winter
Share you winter walking photos with the Ramblers on Twitter @RamblersGB #walkinwinter
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