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Walking in the city for health

By January 24, 2023news & updates
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There’s so much more to see if you trundl

Walking in the city for health

A while ago, I met up with a friend for lunch in London. Now, my friend describes herself as a country bumpkin (albeit a very glamorous one) as she lives in deepest, darkest Dorset, which is where she was born and brought up.  As I was born and raised in London and worked for many years in fairly central locations, I know the city reasonably well.

Anyway, as we paused on the Aldwych end of The Strand, my friend said she would walk to Leicester Square and jump on the tube to Waterloo. This is a 10 min walk, PLUS all the underground tunnels. I pointed to some nearby traffic lights and gently advised that by going in that direction, she would find herself at the start of Waterloo Bridge, which would take her directly to Waterloo Station. A walk of 15 mins, but all in the open air and a much more scenic route.

My point? When in London, or any big city, it’s easy to get into the habit of jumping on a tube, tram, bus or train. However, unless you’re heading to the outskirts, most UK city centres are pretty small, even London. The main sights are all within easy trundling distance of each other and many cities also have some beautiful parks.

I go to London fairly regularly and love walking through the various parks from Victoria Station. If I’m headed to Covent Garden or theatreland, it’s via St James’s Park. If I’m off to Piccadilly, then I pass through Green Park. A browse round Selfridges food hall? Then a trundl through Hyde Park is a lovely route. With a smart phone, it’s so easy to plot a route on a map and you see so much more.

Even after all my years in London, I still see something new every time. There is something so joyous about wandering through a city.  As much as I enjoy trundling in the countryside, I love the excitement of a city. Finding those little pockets of green, the beautiful squares and tree lined avenues. All cities have some beauty, we just need to look up and around to appreciate the beautiful architecture

And apparently, the French have a word to describe someone who partakes in random wandering; a ‘flâneur’. Recent studies have shown that this sort of strolling promotes feelings of happiness and contentment.

Which leads nicely to my next point!  Over the years of working in the corporate world, I was lucky enough to have some forward-thinking managers (plus some absolute stinkers) and we would often get out for a walk if we needed a 1-2-1 or if there was an issue to resolve.  Not only were we out of the office environment and getting some much-needed vitamin D, it also helped to keep discussions calm and fruitful.

So, whether you’re sightseeing or having a work-related chat with a colleague, get yourself out there and have a trundl. You’ll see more, get some fresh air and exercise, you’ll save on fares and, best of all, you’ll be raising money for our charities at the same time. Happy trundling.

 

Helena B, founding trundl member

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Helena in St James’s Park, London