Discover Northumberland's scenic strolls book inspired by UofG project
Published: 7 July 2023
The free summer holiday activity book is inspired by ‘The Walkbook’ created by the Walking Publics/Walking Arts project and led by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Dee Heddon.
Northumberland County Council has launched a brand new walking book inspired by a Scottish favourite to help visitors explore the county on foot this summer and discover all the fantastic sites it has to offer.
The free summer holiday activity book is inspired by ‘The Walkbook’ created by the Walking Publics/Walking Arts project and led by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Dee Heddon.
The ‘Creative Walking Book’ forms part of the County Council’s ‘The Big Northumberland Gear Change’ campaign that encourages all visitors and residents to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle as often as possible.
Families enjoying school holidays are invited to enjoy the book’s various activities from chalk walks to mindful strolls helping them to discover the county’s many shortcuts and hideaways along the way.
Professor Heddon said: “I am delighted that Walking Publics/Walking Arts has inspired Northumberland County Council’s The Big Northumberland Gear Change this summer. The Creative Walking Book offers both locals and visitors an opportunity to reap the physical and mental health benefits of walking in the county’s stunning countryside. Adding a little bit of creativity to walking activity can bring even more pleasure and fun.”
The Walking Publics/Walking Arts is a research project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. It explores the potential of the arts to sustain and encourage walking during and recovering from a pandemic.
Councillor Jeff Watson, Portfolio Holder for Promoting Healthy Live, said: “We’re excited to welcome Scottish families to Northumberland over the summer months. We have such a beautiful county that can and should be explored on foot. The new Creative Walking Book is jam-packed full of free activities, suitable for people of all ages and levels of mobility, everyone can get involved with.
“Swapping your car for a stroll once in a while is not only great for the environment, but is also shown to have an incredible positive impact on both physical and mental health and best of all, it’s completely free.”
A third of all trips made in Northumberland are less than 5km which equates to a gentle cycle or walk. This simple switch will improve physical and mental health and in turn help the environment by reducing carbon emissions, helping to achieve Northumberland County Council’s net zero target by 2030.
Rachael Bateman, principle transport manager at Northumberland County Council explained: “We’re delighted to launch the free Creative Walking Book for families to enjoy while exploring the county over the summer months.
“This campaign is about the small changes we can all make to support our wellbeing and the environment at the same time. We hope the new walking book inspires visitors to travel sustainably and take the first steps towards lasting lifestyle changes.”
To download ‘The Big Northumberland Gear Change’ walking book, visit: www.northumberlandgearchange.co.uk
First published: 7 July 2023
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