In England, public footpaths provide a legal right of way for walkers or runners to explore either the countryside or an urban greenbelt. It means that there is an adventure for all fitness levels just around the corner.
The public footpaths in my area have provided me with a healthy escape during lockdown. I’ve explored the incredible nature on my doorstep. It’s allowed me to enjoy the moment or work through important issues including refining my purpose and figuring out my role in championing social justice. It’s amazing how much ground one can cover – figuratively and literally – in an hour or two.
Access to the ubiquitous footpath is one of my favourite aspects of living on this island. I’m hoping to continue the frequency of my weekday runs now that they’ve become a habit. They are a perfect tonic before or after a day of meetings.
Click below on the video for an example of one of my local trails.
These are some of my favourite footpaths not far from my doorstep:
- Ide Hill to Toys Hill returning to Ide Hill’s village green via Emmetts Garden
- Dunton Green to Knockholt via the North Downs Way and returning to Dunton Green via Chevening and Chipstead
- Shoreham via Lullingstone golf course and back via Eynsford
- Westerham via Churchill’s Chartwell and back down the hill
- Mereworth through the woods and returning via West Peckham
The lockdown has definitely reinforced that I don’t need to travel far to access incredible beauty and get my trail running kicks! I encourage you to explore your area and have fun on the urban footpaths and country trails!
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