I love walking as much as the next person, but there’s only so many times you can stomp around your local park before things get a little samey. You can mix it up with a new podcast or a fresh pair of trainers, sure – but when push comes to shove, following a pre-planned route makes everything feel a little bit predictable.
My favourite kind of walk looks a little different. It’s what I like to call ‘aimless walking’, although ‘adventure walking’ works just as well (and makes it sound a lot more exciting). It is, for all intents and purposes, a walk without an agenda – no route, no intended duration, just me, my feet and a friend I’ve managed to drag along for the ride.
What that looks like tends to vary depending on the setting, but I’ll usually set out on a familiar route or public footpath and then meander wherever takes my fancy.
The key is letting your curiosity lead the way, whether that’s turning down a street you’ve never walked along before or taking an unfamiliar branch on your local footpath. It might feel weird to start with – especially if you’re unsure about where you’re headed – but trust me, it’s worth it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this sounds like the ultimate recipe for getting lost. But if you’re not walking for hours and hours on end, you won’t end up anywhere too far from your original destination. And if you’re in an urban setting, you could always jump on the nearest form of public transport to return to where you started.
Heading out with a friend if you’re somewhere quiet or super-unfamiliar can help ensure you stay safe, as well as downloading an app like what3words as a last resort if you do find yourself completely lost. Keeping a general tab on where you are using the maps app on your phone can also be helpful if you want to make sure you’re not wandering too far off route.
But that’s enough of the logistics. What is special about aimless walking is the way it makes you feel. Not only does it give you an opportunity to tune in to the world around you – I don’t know about you, but this is a pretty rare occurrence for me – but it also transforms a bog standard walk into something more satisfying and almost creative.
While I try to allow my brain to wander during these walks, you could listen to a podcast or have some calming music on while you explore – as long as it doesn’t get in the way of your ability to connect with the world around you and your own curiosity.
Alternatively, you could also combine aimless walking with awe walking, the mental health benefits of which have been proven time and time again.
When I’m in a rut or feel a bit bored of the day-to-day, heading out on an aimless walk helps to add a sense of spontaneity to my daily routine. It may not be the most thrilling activity out there, but it’s a great way to give your mind a break while reaping the fitness benefits of a daily walk. And who knows, you might even discover a new favourite spot along the way.
Images: Getty/Lauren Geall