‘Adventure Revolution’ by Belinda Kirk – Purchased Book Review

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Adventure, Adventure Revolution, anxiety, Author, Belinds Kirk, book blog, Book Review, Books, Fear, Forest Therapy, Hiking, Inspiration, Mountain, Mountains, Walking

Please see photos for the blurb.

This book needed to be written, and I’m so glad it was. Belinda Kirk writes in such a clear way and presents her findings with such clarity. This is an absorbing read, and I’ve re-read several chapters a number of times to let the wisdom sink in.

The chapters build on each other helping the reader to gain a real grasp of what the author has to say. I especially appreciated how Kirk shows how spending time outside can help us overcome challenges, develop resilience, learn new life skills and strengthen relationships. Moreover, having an adventurous spirit can give us the skills and wisdom to enhance our own daily lives.

As a keen hiker with a fear of heights and poor sense of direction, I know how spending time in the wilderness and up mountains has helped me become more confident and value perseverance. As such, reading this book has aided me in developing more of an understanding of myself, keen to try new experiences.

This book is more than a guide to the awesome power of adventure – it’s a joyous understanding of life!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GIFTED BOOK REVIEW: ‘Where Is My Smile’ by Natalie Reeves Billing & Hannah Jesse’Where Is My Smile’ by Natalie Reeves Billing & Hannah Jesse @BillingReeves@byhannahjesse@tinytreebooks@lovebookstours

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Author, Book, book blog, Book Review, Books, children's books, emotions, Poetry

Big thanks to lovebookstours, the authors and the publisher for my gifted copy of this book.

Please see the photos for the blurb.

📚📚📚 MY REVIEW 📚📚📚

This story is written as a poem with wonderfully matching illustrations. I read this book with my eight year-old nephew. After reading it he said, “I don’t like the rain. Mum and Dad make me happy.”

This book shows children that it’s okay to be sad, that it’ll pass, and that the people we love will help us through. Plus, a dose of sunshine helps make things better.

This book is excellent in the way that it helps children to express their emotions.

It’s a very thoughtful read.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walk Write In Where The River Flows

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Adventure, Alone, anxiety, Hiking, hobbies, Life, Mental health, Nature, Rivers

It’s been a good while since I added anything to my blog. 2022 has been an difficult year on a personal front – much has been going on with family and my own health – and I’ve really missed writing here as much as I did before. In fact, I’ve struggled to get much writing done at all in the last few months. Consequently, it’s been a struggle to get back into the habit. Still, I’m reaching old heights slowly, and I’ve enjoyed being back in the writing seat once more.

Hiking has been one hobby that’s kept me going. Walking in nature is the gateway to understanding our own thoughts and feelings. But, at times, I found even the idea of putting my trainers on and heading outdoors for five minutes difficult to comprehend. But, again, I’m slowly getting back into the swing of it.

RIVER THERAPY

I’ve spent plenty of time near the River Thames over the past few months. Staying grounded in the present moment and using my senses to appreciate what nature offers me has been rewarding: whether it’s observing fish flowing underneath the water, hearing the call of birds or smelling the sweet aroma of summer flowers, being by the water’s edge has engulfed me in a sense of calm.

River Adventure

Also, I think the need for walking along the Thames is also born out of a need to remain in the flow of life. When things get too much, we need to find a way to escape and ground ourselves again.

I Need More Moments Like These

NEW COMMITMENTS

So, as life carries on flowing by, I intend to grab more moments of calm. Even amidst the full-on pace of life and what it throws at us, taking even a brief amount of time out is so important.

And I’m looking forward to catching up with you all on WordPress.

Sorry it’s been so long!

Just Be Like The Swan!

Forest Therapy

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Adventure, Adventure Revolution, Belinds Kirk, Bluebells, Buckinghamshire, Forest Therapy, Forests, Hiking, Mental health, Well-being

This weekend my cousin and I trekked through Church Woods and Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire, England. We were blessed with endless sunshine, making it the kind of day that we wished our legs wouldn’t tire so that we could keep on exploring.

The start of the walk opened us up to a day of possibilities

The clear blue skies, the ripe green fields and trees in full bloom provided us with all the necessary resources for our minds to be filled with peace and calm.

In full bloom

The most spectacular part of the day, however, was being witness to the floral tapestry made up by the bluebells that covered the forest floor.

Spring in action

The day was completed with a few moments of calm by a serene lake before the final walk back to the car.

Bonus water therapy

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A FOREST STROLL?

In her book ‘Adventure Revolution’, Belinda Kirk advocates that there are a number of physical and mental health advantages that spending time in a woodland setting can provide. These benefits include a healthier cardiovascular system and reduced stress levels. However, the author points out that the effects are much deeper as the trees and soil are actively helping us.

Kirk points out that studies have shown that trees let out phytoncides which benefit our immune systems to fight communicable disease and tumour development. There’s also evidence to suggest that a certain soil bacteria can bolster us against stress.

Knowing such things gives me a deeper connection with our planet, and makes me want to spend more time in the open.

Nature is the gift that keeps on giving

I hope that you all have a chance to take a hike and embrace the healing properties of nature soon.

Book Review: ‘A Notebook For Living Adventurously’ by Alastair Humphreys

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Adventure, Book, Book Review, Books, Fun, Happiness, Hiking, Journal, journaling, Mental health, Motivation

What This Adventure Journal Book Is About

My Review

This book is based on the questions that British Adventurer Alastair Humphreys asks his guests on his podcast.

At the time of writing, I’m enjoying working my way through each question. I’m finding that it’s a fun way of journalling based around my hiking experiences. Writing in this way helps me to gain a deeper understanding of myself, and to reflect on past achievements and future dreams.

Staying focused on what drives a person is important to making dreams come true, and this book is an encouraging resource for any lover of the outdoors to make those dreams happen. Answering the questions is garunteed to stop procrastination.

I’m looking forward to answering all the questions. I highly recommend this book for any seasoned or newbie lover of the outdoors.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Buy Links:

Walking Round In Circles Close To Home

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Adventure, Blogging community, Hiking, hobbies, Inspiration, local, Mental health, Motivation, Street, Travel, Walking, Well-being

Exploring the urban landscape

I’m still having to stay close to home as I’m running errands for family members in different households who’ve caught Covid. It’s meant that I’ve had less time to get into the countryside, so I’ve had a new idea as to how I hike for the time being.

The idea is partly inspired by two influences: Alastair Humphreys, who did a hike around the circumference of the M25 in his book ‘Microadventures’; plus, it’s a revamping of the urban hikes I did during the first lockdown.

Recently, I was looking at a map of my hometown, Maidenhead, and worked out I could do circular walks of different lengths. Although these will be mainly urban hikes, it means that I can still be close to family. So far, I’ve created a two mile, four mile and six mile walk.

I did the six mile walk today. The accompanying photos are from that walk.

Spring is beginning to blossom

Then, when I got home, I decided to see how many miles the circumference of Maidenhead would be. I measured that out by using pins and string, and measured out the distance in accordance with the map scale. That totals approximately 11.5 miles. With the almost two miles it takes to get to the edge of town and back that would make a fifteen mile walk, which I’m planning to do sometime before Easter.

Pins and string – there’s the thing!

On these walks, I try to counter the noise of passing traffic and trains by deliberately seeking out the sights and sounds of nature in gardens or small stretches of woodland.

So, whilst these urban hikes won’t fully immerse me in nature, they’ve given me the creativity and stimulation to keep going in preparation for when I get back out into the countryside.

Hope you all have a great week. 😊

Adventure On Your Doorstep

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Adventure, Berkshire, Blogging community, Britain, Hiking, Inspiration, local, Mental health, Nature, South East England, Walking, Well-being

Living in South East England, I don’t live close to mountains that I’ve come to crave. So, it’s important that I look elsewhere for my adventure fix. I’m lucky to live near the River Thames, and a forty minute train journey from the North Wessex Downs hill range.

But with the demands of everyday life, it sometimes difficult to find the time to go on an adventure day. During the lockdowns, though, I found myself exploring my local area more than ever before. I explored woodlands and pathways that I’d never given much thought to before.

This was all done by simply looking at a map of the outskirts of my hometown. These very local adventures proved to be a lifeline during the pandemic. I was concerned that as life got back to normal that I’d neglect these local places of interest for escapades further afield. But, exploring these areas has become so ingrained in me that I was determined not to let this new hobby go.

Just when I thought that I’d discovered all there was locally, I noticed this new area of green on my map. When I say ‘new area’ what I actually mean is I’d just overlooked it. Less than a mile and a half from my house – and more directly behind a supermarket – is a local nature reserve called Braywick Nature Reserve.

It’s been such a joy to find a new place to unwind, and it’s come with a number of other benefits. The track seems to hold up well after long bouts of rain, so it’ll make an ideal training ground in most weather to prepare for long distance hikes. Hearing the birdsong and the rushing stream is also a quick fix for the enduring sounds of nature that I experience on longer hikes. I can also see how walking here links up to other pathways, so a longer trek can be enjoyed.

So, the next time your short of time or you just fancy doing something nearby home, pull out a local map and see if there’s any new places it could take you too. As well as experiencing a great mini escape, you may find other benefits like I’ve described above.

Hope you all have a great week 😊

Hiking Book Review: ‘Tales From The Big Trails’ by Martyn Howe

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Adventure, Blogging community, Book, Book Review, Hiking, Nature, non-fiction, UK, United Kingdom, Well-being

BLURB

‘I am already planning the next adventure. The wanderlust that infected me has no cure.’

It all started in Fishguard in the mid-1970s when, aged fifteen, Martyn Howe and a friend set off on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path armed with big rucksacks, borrowed boots, a Primus stove and a pint of paraffin, and a thirst for adventure. After repeating the route almost thirty years later, Martyn was inspired to walk every National Trail in England and Wales, plus the four Long-Distance Routes (now among the Great Trails) in Scotland. His 3,000-mile journey included treks along the South West Coast Path, the Pennine Way, the Cotswold Way and the West Highland Way. He finally achieved his ambition in 2016 when he arrived in Cromer in Norfolk, only to set a new goal of walking the England and Wales Coast Paths and the Scottish National Trail.

In Tales from the Big Trails, Martyn vividly describes the diverse landscapes, wildlife, culture and heritage he encounters around the British Isles, and the physical and mental health benefits he derives from walking. He also celebrates the people who enrich his travels, including fellow long-distance hikers, tourists discovering Britain’s charm, farmers working the land, and the friendly and eccentric owners of hostels, campsites and B&Bs.

And when he is asked ‘Why do you do it?’, the answer is as simple as placing one foot in front of the other: ‘It makes me happy.’

MY REVIEW

The author writes in such an engaging way about his journeys that its as if you’re walking with him at times. The descriptions of the landscapes and the interactions with the people that he meets really drew me in.

As an avid day hiker looking to become more involved with long distance/multi-day hikes, this book has given me a lot of encouragement to start planning those journeys.

I’m sure this book will be a constant companion to me on my future treks.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo Poem: Rivers And Hills

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Adventure, Blogging community, Hiking, hills, Inspiration, Mental health, Nature, Photography, Poem, Poetry, Rivers

Rivers and hills, hills and rivers, Make me shake, make me quiver, For the peace of mind they deliver, With their beauty, I’m in a dither

Sometimes it’s high up that I seek, Other times at the water’s edge I take a peek, Give me a day and give me a week, Whether it’s sunny or it’s bleak.

Whatever path you chose to take, Make sure there are slopes or a lake, It’s the perfect way to give yourself a break, Then finish it off with tea and cake!

Phone Box Reminder: The Importance Of Talking

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Alone, anxiety, blogging, Blogging community, Family, Friends, Happiness, Inspiration, Life, Listening, Loneliness, Mental health, phones

Last weekend I was out on a hike, and I saw this lonely looking phone box in a village. It evoked in me the sense that we have to stay connected. Moreover, how it’s important to make the time to chat with one another.

I’m going through my phone contacts and making a list of people that I haven’t spoken to for a while. It’d be good to catch up.

Sometimes life just takes over and people move on – it’s a natural occurence in life. It’s also natural (and important) that we want to reconnect. Going through the names on my phone filled me with memories of times with specific people, and that filled me with joy.

The pandemic may have robbed us of certain things, but one thing that seeing that red phone box reminded me of is the importance of being there for one another, and to listen.

Reaching out to a family member, friend (old or new) or a stranger really can have a positive impact for everybody involved.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you have a great weekend with the people you love. (And give an old friend a call too).

😃😃😃