Hello Toggers!
Walking with a map
There is something magical about a map. It’s more than just an aid to navigate your way from A to B – a map can also tell you about the environment you’re in and what you’re looking at on the horizon or what is hiding behind a high wall.
More than that though, walking with a map helps give your brain a workout too. Studies have shown that the part of the brain used for navigation (the hippocampus) grows as we use it and shrinks when we don’t. The hippocampus is also the place where we store our memories – working it, just as you would any other muscle in your body, helps to keep it working longer.
Whilst some walks you may feel you could almost do with your eyes closed (please don’t try it) – having a map with you can open up the space – offering possible short cuts, longer extensions or more awareness of what else is there. It’s also a good opportunity to refresh your map reading and compass navigation skills by using them on familiar ground before you venture further afield.
In Great Britain we’re blessed to have some of the finest mapping anywhere in the world thanks to our National Mapping Agency, Ordnance Survey. So grab your map and head off for some adventures!
A wander around Whitsand Bay
Our walk this week is in Cornwall – exploring the South West Coast Path aroundWhitsand Bay towards Cawsand. You can easily combine this walk with a dip or a paddle in the sea before heading back to Whitsand Bay Fort Lodges for the evening where you can enjoy the far reaching views out across this often forgotten corner of the country.
Let Somerset’s stunning coast revitalise you
There is a special magic about walking along a coastline, listening to the waves crash alongside you whilst taking in deep breaths of sea air. It’s one of the reasons why the King Charles III Coast Path was created. This autumn you’re invited to Somerset to join a special challenge of walking 80 miles along the coast path in 8 days. You could join for all of it, a couple of days or just one. Not only will you feel the benefits of this stunning coastal walk, you’ll also be helping to support our Waterproof & Wellies campaign at the same time. Intrigued to know more? Isobel Pring, the Coast Path Officer for Somerset has written a blog for us about last years event to inspire you to join this year!
Four Things For You
LAST CHANCE TO WIN!!
This is your last chance to enter and WIN a pair of Movilo® therapeutic comfort shoes worth £155 from our friends at VMOrthotics. These aren’t just shoes – they’re style + science in every step.
This is your last chance to enter and WIN a pair of Movilo® therapeutic comfort shoes worth £155 from our friends at VMOrthotics. These aren’t just shoes – they’re style + science in every step.
I wish you some mappy outdoor adventures in the week ahead – get outdoors,
breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a dose of Vitamin Nature,
