Ramblers keep walk-lovers active during lockdown

#roamsweethome connects everyone who loves walking and the outdoors

 With the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ now extended for another three weeks, staying active is more important than ever, for both mental and physical health. A multi-faceted campaign by the Ramblers, called #roamsweethome, is encouraging everyone to keep active safely for leisure, health and happiness close to home and at home – whatever they can safely do – as well as inspiring and connecting everyone who loves walking and the outdoors. 

The Ramblers – the charity which helps everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk – are tapping into the brilliant community spirit, creativity, ideas and energy shown by their supporters and 100,000 members right across Great Britain, since they sadly had to suspend all group walks, social activities and volunteering programmes on 18 March. #roamsweethome offers lots of great advice, activities and entertainment, all in line with official Government guidance on social distancing and safe exercising.

#roamsweethome includes:

A Ramblers #roamsweethome step challenge. The Ramblers believes that the joy of walking can be felt anywhere -- from a hike up the stairs, a jog on the balcony, a stroll in the garden, to a wander in a nearby park or footpath that follows official guidelines on exercising**. Supporters everywhere are joining in, getting their ‘step counts’ up in the weeks and months ahead. They’ll be sharing their photos and experiences of getting active at home, in their gardens or out on their daily exercise, both online and on social media and via email. Find out more: www.ramblers.org.uk/roamsweethome 

** If you choose to walk for exercise you are advised to only walk locally to where you live. You should walk alone or with people from your household. You should not walk with friends or in groups. Keep 2m (6ft) distance from anyone you pass on your walk. 

Online advice on maintaining health and wellbeing under lockdown, including live chats and online blogs from health and nutrition experts.    

Sharing photos and stories about their favourite, pre-lockdown walking memories, as well as what walkers have spotted whilst out, locally and safely, for their daily exercise – signs of Spring, wildlife urban and rural and more!  

 Andrew Chadwick, Devon Ramblers chairman, said: “#roamsweethome offers lots of practical ways of staying safe, linking up, being inspired, keeping active and just having some much-needed fun.” 

Louise Trewern from South Devon founded and leads, with her wife Karen, a Ramblers Walking For Health group for people with long-term health conditions. Like all other Ramblers, sadly their weekly group walks are currently suspended, but Louise is encouraging them to join in with #roamsweetroam – she has been sharing home exercising video tips and advice for people living with pain or with limited mobility. She says: “#roamsweetroam will be great fun, and will help to keep spirits up and people active!” 

The Ramblers’ latest COVID-19 advice for supporters, members and volunteers, which is being reviewed daily, can be found online at: www.ramblers.org.uk/coronavirus