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11 Reasons a Stroll Through the English Countryside Is Good for Your Health

Keswick in the Lake District
Keswick in the Lake District | © Pixabay

For those looking to take a stroll, there’s nothing better than a walk through the English countryside. Rolling hills, beautiful scenery and an array of wildlife are just three reasons why it’s a lot better than you thought – so what are you waiting for?

Getting out and active is healthy for you

Going for a brisk walk is scientifically proven to burn excess calories, build stamina and make your heart healthier. While some may think walking is a bit lame, you’re likely to lead a healthier lifestyle just by going for a 10-minute walk every day. Oh, and when you have views like this one in Yorkshire to marvel at, you’d be silly not to get out there.

Yorkshire countryside

It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city living

For those living in the big cities, life can be a bit stressful at times. When you’re not stuck at your desk, you’re surrounded by people, buildings and cars. The perfect remedy for this is, quite simply, the English countryside! With peaceful parks, tranquil lakes and rolling hills, you’ll be sure to find your perfect relaxation spot. It’s time to swap high-rise flats for hills.

The Lake District

You’ll stumble upon things you didn’t even know existed

The beauty of the English countryside is that there are plenty of quaint towns, villages and landmarks that you hadn’t even heard of! This ruined abbey is situated in the small village of Byland, in the North York Moors National Park, and looks stunning at sunrise.

Byland Abbey ruins, Yorkshire

And you’ll probably stumble out of some quintessentially English pubs, too

Some of the best pubs in England are the most rural ones, and the countryside is full of pit stops with a view. I mean, just look at this one in Cumbria.

The Mortal Man pub in Troutbeck, Cumbria

The scenery you’ll encounter is incredible

Lost ruins, green landscapes, rolling hills, beautiful vantage points – the English countryside has it all.

Lost ruins in Dartmoor

I mean, just look at this

How beautiful does this look? The town of Keswick in the Lake District is one of the most popular in the English countryside, and forms an integral part of one of England’s national parks. Flanked by mountains, endless landscape and the infamous lake, it’s one of the most visited areas in the Lake District. Make sure your country stroll passes through here.

Keswick in the Lake District

The wildlife you’ll see is pretty great, too

Taking a stroll through the English countryside will mean you’re likely to stumble upon some wonderful wildlife. Whether it’s ponies, horses, sheep, deer, badgers, foxes or many different species of bird, you’re bound to come across some kind of wildlife.

Dartmoor Ponies

You can disconnect for a little while

In such a digital age, it’s healthy to disconnect every now and then. When we’re not glued to Instagram, we’re tweeting about something nonsensical on the TV, so a walk through the countryside is really helpful if you are looking to disconnect. You’ll no doubt want to take photos of the scenery, but maybe just bring your camera instead.

GoPro on countryside walk

There are 10 national parks for you to explore

As previously mentioned, the English countryside is home to a number of national parks, including Exmoor, the Lake District, North York Moors and the Peak District. All of these are some of the most beautiful parts of the country and are definitely not lame.

Exmoor coast

And they’re all just as stunning in any season – particularly when it snows

It’s not often England gets a decent covering of snow, but when it does, the English countryside is even more beautiful.

English countryside hills covered in snow

So basically, there’s just no way an English countryside stroll is lame!

Autumn is a particularly beautiful time for a walk, mostly thanks to the natural autumnal colours of leaves falling from the trees. Isn’t it about time you got out there and saw it for yourself?

Autumn walk

About the author

Proudly born and bred in Birmingham, UK, Richard is passionate about all things travel and music. Having founded the regional online music magazine Counteract in early 2010, Richard has enjoyed a versatile writing career and writes for a number of publications, including The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Metro and others. If he's not travelling around Europe, you'll often find him supporting his football team, Aston Villa.

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