Hello Toggers!
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin”
Of all the quotes from the quill of Shakespeare, this is one that resonates greatly for me. It comes from the play of Troilus and Cressida (act III, scene 3) and reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things. A reminder that we are nature and we have a duty to care for the natural world as we would do our own family.
Next week will mark not only Shakespeare’s birthday but also the date of his death – both falling on 23rd April. The impact he left on the world has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist with 38 plays and 154 sonnets to his name. Whilst many of us I’m sure are knowing capable of quoting lines from some of his most loved plays, I bet you didn’t realise that there are many words in common use today that he created. Words like generous, lacklustre, bedroom and dawn are some of the 1,700 words that have been credited to him, alongside phrases such as break the ice, in a pickle, a wild goose chase and heart of gold.
As we approach 410 years since he left this mortal coil (another phrase we have to thank him for) – our walk this week takes us to the town of his birth, Stratford upon Avon. If you’re in the town over the weekend of 25th and 26th April – there’ll be lots going on in celebration of William Shakespeare.
A stroll around Stratford-upon-Avon
The historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire was the birthplace of William Shakespeare back in 1564, and his body lies in rest at the Holy Trinity Church. This week we follow in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting key locations in town and strolling alongside the River Avon, just as he would have done over 400 years ago.
Ten Tors at age 10
When Aiden met the team at the National Outdoor Expo four years ago and learned that not every child had the same opportunities that he had, he wanted to do something about it and set himself outdoor challenges to raise funds for our Waterproof & Wellies campaign. This year his challenge might be the toughest yet! Across the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Aiden is setting out with his parents to tackle the Dartmoor Ten Tors. It’s a 35 mile hike which will involve wild camping – and he even intends to carry a proportionate weight kit himself and complete it in 2 days. Aiden is just 10 years old – and this is the furthest he will have ever walked. We’re in awe of him!
Four Things For You
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!
The perfect prize for any dog owner
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Dicky Bag to give one lucky winner a chance to win a clever, beautifully designed dog-walking bundle worth £132; built for fresh air, muddy paws, and life on the go. Whether it’s a quick loop around the block or a full countryside adventure, this trio is designed to keep things simple, organised and stress-free. Entries close at 23:59 on 23rd April… so get
you entries in now or you might find yourself in the dog house!
BRADDERS BONUS!
A last minute Spring escape offer
Escape the everyday to enjoy the spring beauty and tranquillity of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There’s a vast choice of ambles and hikes from your luxury cottage doorstep near Aysgarth Falls, in Wensleydale. Spoil yourself and your loved one with at least 20% off a last minute spring stay of 2,3,4,7 nights at your luxury cottage, The Byre, just for two, courtesy of Cottage in the Dales, between Fri 24 April and Fri 1 May 2026, where a warm welcome and tray of Distinctly Dales goodies awaits.
Another phrase we have to thank Shakespeare for is having too much of a good thing. But when it comes to time spent outdoors… I’m not sure about you, but I don’t think that can ever be the case! Wishing you wonderful outdoor adventures in the week ahead!
