Did you know that May is National Walking Month? Regular readers of the Oakeley blog will know that we’re big fans of walking here (who wouldn’t be with all this wonderful countryside and coast to explore?!) so we thought we’d celebrate with a special blog post dedicated to all things WALKING!

National Walking Month is organised by a charity called Living Streets, that work in the interest of pedestrians across the country. Their aim is to create safe and attractive streets that encourage us to walk more and take the car less. Well here in Snowdonia we’ve got our very own attractive “streets” that need no further introduction. Our “streets” are equal to the hundreds of miles of footpaths through woodland, over hills, along mountains and to the top of peaks, and they’re not to be missed!

So, just why should we pull on our walking boots and get out and about for National Walking Month? There are loads of reasons why walking is brilliant, and here are just a few…..

• It’s an easy and cheap form of exercise that most people can do. Fast or slow, it’s up to you!
• You’ll burn an average of 300 calories an hour and it’s good for your heart and strengthening your muscles.
• You can discover places (both on your doorstep and further from home) that you’d never be able to explore in the car.
• You might find somewhere you’ve never been before!
• It’s a chance to re-connect with nature and the natural environment. Go on, leave the phone at home and de-stress.
• Walking is an ideal way to get the whole family together and spending time being active and healthy.
• You can save the cost of fuel or a bus fare – if it’s local why not walk it instead?
• You’ll be a great role model for the next generation – teach them how to appreciate a stroll and an amble and to find the joy in walking.
• That nice big cup of tea or refreshing pint of beer will taste much better after you’ve earnt it on a lovely walk!

Here at the Oakeley Arms we welcome walkers! Whether you’re stopping en route for a drink or a bite to eat, or looking for a room or holiday cottage where you can rest your weary legs after a day’s hike, we’re the perfect hotel for walkers.

Find out more at www.oakeleyarms.co.uk or for more inspiration for local walks, visit the Walks section of our blog pages