If you haven’t over indulged during the festive period, then you are one of a rare few! And let’s face it – if you can’t indulge yourself at Christmas time, then when can you? But now the New Year is in full swing it’s time to start thinking about getting back into shape!
One of the best things you can do for your health is to get out and get walking: more fun than a gym and better still, it’s free! If you’re a visitor at any of Maguires Country Parks you’ll know that we have some of the most beautiful scenery and winding walk ways for you to explore.
As well as the parks themselves, the surrounding areas are perfect for putting on your hiking boots and waterproofs and getting out into the fresh air. Here are our top tips for great local walks to try, depending on which of our parks you are staying at!
If you’re a visitor at Swainby Country Park, we recommend the breathtaking Roseberry Topping. Roseberry Topping is a wonderful hill – 1050 feet of hard sandstone – full of character and is a distinctive landmark, sandwiched as it is between industrial Teesside and the North Yorkshire Moors. The steep slopes make for great picnic spots too, so pack some lunch!
As for Newbus Grange Country Park, you are spoilt for choice with lots of beautiful countryside walks around nearby villages such as Neasham, Hurworth and Girsby, Cold Comfort Farm, Maidendale, Low Maidendale Farm and Neasham Springs Farm. Better still, there are lots of lovely country pubs to stop at along the way too if you are in need of refreshment!
Staying at Ord House Country Park? Lucky you, as walking in Berwick-upon-Tweed is by far the best way to see the town. From short walks round the Elizabethan Walls to longer distance coastal walks, if you are looking for the best places to walk in Northumberland, look no further than Berwick! You can also follow in the footsteps of Manchester artist L.S.Lowry on The Lowry Trail – a town trail round Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal.
Finally, Forget Me Not Country Park is situated in Longhorsley near Morpeth and there are some excellent walks around the village here. Take in the panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills to the north and the Northumberland coast to the east. Also, Longhorsley Moor, situated on the south side of the village, is a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ being ‘The finest example of lowland heath in the North of England’. Populated with an abundance of wildlife, access is available by several public footpaths.
We hope these tips will inspire you to ‘take a hike’, getting you trim, rosy cheeked and making you feel on top of the world to boot!
Until next time,
The Maguire Family.
