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Tag Archives: Buckinghamshire

Heatwave Hiking

22 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by waynemullane in Adventure, Berkshire, Dehydration, heatwave, Local Adventures, River Thames, Summer, Thames Path, Well-being

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Adventure, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Forests, Hiking, River Thames, Rivers, Walking

During the recent UK heatwave, my mate and I trekked along the Thames Path with Marlow in Berkshire as our start and end points. The usual advice to take three layers with us – t-shirt, jumper and jacket – was ditched as temperatures soared above thirty degrees.

After treapsing through the park in the centre of the town, we reached the start of the trail. We decided to amble along next to the river rather than go along at our usual speed due the barmy conditions. We had enough water, but even with the short distance we’d covered to that point, I could feel myself getting parched.

Marlow was still in Jubilee mode

The river rolled gently along as boats, paddleboarders and the occasional swimmer passed us by. Groups of families and friends settled along the river bank with deckchairs, tents and picnic rugs. I didn’t realise that my home county of Berkshire had its own beach!

We passed a commanding Norman church that stood calm and timeless in front of the gentle water. It just seemed to add an even more serene quality to the day.

The Norman Church

Soon, we took a pit-stop at a cafe. Even though we’d only walked about three miles, it felt like we’d done ten because of the heat. We guzzled back cold drinks in record time; however,I was necking liquid from my water bottle a few minutes after leaving the cafe – the rising temperatures were draining us of vital resources fast.

Further down, we crossed over a steep bridge, and found ourselves mesmerised by the views of the river either way. To one side, a leafy forest offered cool respite; on the other, chalky banks rose up to eventually reveal endless farm fields with the Chiltern Hills sat behind them.

We opted for the shady path in front of the trees, but they soon gave way to open fields, and we were baking in the sun once more. We found a leafy tree next to the water’s edge, and dipped our feet in the river. But even in the shade, we found ourselves frying. Reluctantly, we turned back.

Life Along The River

We hit the five mile mark, and our water bottles had run dry. We knew the cafe we’d stopped at was only about a mile and a half away, yet our throats were demanding we dropped to our knees and drink from the river. Before we crossed over the bridge, though, we espied a footpath that led to the village of Hurley. After seeking direction, we were raiding the chilled drinks in a local convenience store.

Then we stopped off at the cafe for another drink.

After that, we went to the pub.

And we were as calm as this swan:

Forest Therapy

18 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by waynemullane in Adventure, Adventure Revolution, Belinda Kirk, Buckinghamshire, Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy, Forests, Hiking, Mental health, Trekking, Well-being

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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.

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