With a second lockdown looming this week and gyms shutting, a lot of us are going to find it hard to manage another month inside, potentially alone, with very little exercise. And with longer, colder nights already here it's going to be important you take time to look after yourself.
So if you live in a flat or somewhere without a garden, don't fancy pounding pavement and want to get your dose of countryside for an afternoon, this one's for you. We've mapped out a good afternoon walk from Macclesfield Station all the way up to Teggs Nose and back. (We've also marked up all the pubs, in case you decide you want to come back here post lockdown. They all need our support too).
You can do this one alone, with a friend or with your household, and even if you've never considered getting out for a country walk before we've got you covered with step by step guides and a kit list below.
Things's you'll need:
- The ViewRanger app (it's free) to follow our route alongside the instructions
- A bag
- A waterproof jacket
- Suitable footwear (something you don't mind getting wet or muddy (i.e. nothing white or from Alexander McQueen)
- About a litre or two of water
- Some snacks or sandwiches for the top
- A torch (in case you come in the afternoon and take longer than you think, as it starts to get dark about 16:30 now).
- A fully charged mobile phone (with a portable charging pack if you're like us who's phone loses battery in under 4 hours)
And that's it!
If you are going alone, tell someone where you are going, what time you will start and what time you plan to be back (just in case). And if you can use them, also bring a paper map and compass as it's better to be safe than sorry and phone battery is unreliable as we all know. And if in doubt, turn around and head back the way you came!
We'd also recommend you check out the charity Mind and their # hikefromhome initiative. And if you like this route and want to see more, please let us know. We'll do whatever we can.
Look after yourselves,
James & Adam.