Keep up the good work, says our local authority, as residents are being encouraged to continue to explore Bath and North East Somerset’s beautiful open spaces as lockdown eases.
For many people walks and family bike rides have been the highlight of the day during lockdown, helping to maintain mental and physical wellbeing. Now with restrictions being lifted residents are being urged not to break their healthy habit and to maintain outdoor exercise as part of their routine.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “One of the positives of lockdown is that through daily exercise many people have found new places to explore right on their doorstep and others have seen familiar places in a different light. Our parks and open spaces have never been more valued.
“Of course, the benefits to both mental and physical health of walking, cycling and spending time outdoors are well known, so as we move back to a more normal way of life, I’d encourage people to continue to explore their neighbourhoods and reap the benefits of regular outdoor exercise. While we really want people to enjoy our parks and countryside, please leave them as you would want to find them and take all your litter home with you.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council is responsible for nineteen parks across the district, all of which provide different experiences in varying landscapes from Kensington Meadows in Walcot to Beechan Cliff Woodland and Keynsham Memorial Park. Many of the district’s parks have long histories and contain interesting buildings and design features such as the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park and Sydney Gardens Temple of Minerva.
Vanessa Pons who lives in Bath said: “I have felt privileged being able to enjoy all the parks and green spaces Bath has to offer, they have been a lifeline during the COVID-19 lockdown. Now, more than ever, our parks are essential to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.”
For more information on the council’s parks and green spaces visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/sport-leisure-and-parks/parks-green-spaces/find-park
While we continue to live with COVID-19 users are requested to follow social distancing rules in parks and ensure they use the litter bins provided or take their rubbish home with them.
Walking inspiration and resources:
Those who’ve enjoyed walking more during lockdown can find inspiring new routes around Bath and further afield including the Chew Valley, Somer Valley and Keynsham, by visiting Bathscape’s website: https://www.bathscape.co.uk/explore/
There’s also information on local walks on the council’s website: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/parking-and-travel/walking
Two walking festivals are planned for later in the year. Bathscape is due to hold it’s Walking Festival Saturday 12 – Sunday 27 September – the programme will be published at: http://www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk While the Circuit of Bath Walk in aid of Julian House takes place on Sunday 27 September. For more details visit: http://www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk/
If you fancy joining a walking tour then visit: https://visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/tours-sightseeing/guided-walks/P15/
Walkers who’d like to meet new people might like to consider joining a walking group such as the ramblers https://www.ramblers.org.uk/ . Limited activities are starting up now, so it’s a good time to get in touch to find out more.
If you need additional support, or want to walk shorter distances, keep an eye on Walking for Health https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ for upcoming events.
Cycling information and resources:
For general cycling information, including details of clubs and cycle training visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/parking-and-travel/cycling
For inspiration on local cycle routes visit: https://visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/sport-and-adventure/cycling/
For useful cycle maps around Bath and North East Somerset visit: https://betterbybike.info/maps-and-rides/regional-cycle-maps
