Walking for Pleasure
Today I visited Emmetts Garden in Sevenoaks. The Edwardian estate located at Ide Hill and is now owned by the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. The garden, which covers an area of about six acres, is situated on a 600-foot sandstone ridge, overlooking the Weald. It is one of the highest points in Kent, offering an expansive view of the North Downs. The garden was laid out in the late 19th century and was influenced by William Robinson. It contains many exotic rare trees and shrubs from across the world. You can explore the rose and rock gardens, take in the views as well as enjoy flowers and shrubs in spring. In autumn visitors can enjoy the vibrant colours brought about by the changing of the season. The main attraction at this time of year are the Bluebells.
Both I and my significant other walk for pleasure as well as the obvious health benefits. We both have targets regarding our daily step counts and try our best to achieve them. The car is therefore often left at home and a lot of trivial journeys, such as those to the local shops are done by foot. As I am also my parent’s carers I find that the various visits to the pharmacy and doctors surgery offer a further opportunity to hit my daily walking quota. Furthermore, the layout of the Greater London suburbs means that walking is frequently an easy option without the have the hassle of having to find a parking space. The county where I live also has a wealth of parks and open spaces. Some are free, where others such as Emmetts Garden, have a modest entry fee.
Today’s visit not only afford us an opportunity to visit a beautiful garden, rich with exotic flowers and trees but it also allowed us to gently exercise in a beautiful environment. Many of the trails within the grounds are tranquil and free from excessive noise. As I’ve written recently, noise for me is one of the great maladies of this century and any chance to be free from it is welcomed. Today’s walk gave me and Karen some quality time to chat as well as reflect in silence upon our own thoughts as well as the inherent beauty of our surroundings. Walking in such an environment is a great way of relaxing and recharging your “batteries”. Modern urban life is extremely frantic and in many ways, has detached us from the natural world. Parks and places of natural beauty are a great way to reconnect.
Walking is a form of exercise that has few barriers to entry. You just need to ensure that you have suitable foot wear for the environment you’re walking in and to be mindful of things like hydration if you’re out in the heat. It can be done solitary or with friends, in silence or while engaged in discussion. It doesn’t have to be “dead time” as I’ll often listen to the radio or podcasts while out walking. As a writer walking affords a chance to martial my thoughts and consider what I wish to explore through my blogging. Walking, unlike other forms of exercise such as the gym with its culture and poseurs, frees you from the tyranny of other people. Thus. I’m a great advocate. The following link to the NHS website, provides a succinct breakdown of the health benefits of walking and effectively how to start. Plus, here’s a gallery of photos from Emmetts Garden, highlighting why it’s a great day out a fine place to take a stroll.
