Are we losing the art of ambling? You don’t need to stomp for miles and miles to explore the beautiful landscape and scenery that we have here in Snowdonia. In fact, One Mile Walks are the perfect way to boost your fitness and your senses in just one easy mile.

Although walking as a leisure activity or as a sight-seeing exercise is as popular as ever in the UK, the art of walking just for the sake of walking is fast becoming a thing of the past. There is often no time left for a deliberate dawdle, a slow stroll or an amiable amble. Countryside walks are often undertaken with the same speed and gritty determination as the rest of life. Busy people make conference calls, text messages, check their e-mails or listen to podcasts while out on a walk – all distracting from the art of simply walking, for the sake of walking.

Yet it has been proven that walking just a mile a day can improve fitness, burn calories and increase mental stamina. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker who regularly clocks up ten mile treks or a new walker who’s tentatively pulling on your walking boots, you’ll know that walking any distance at all is a fantastic boost for mind and body.

“Purposeless” walking has also been linked to creativity and inspiration. Many writers, musicians and artists say that they are out of their chairs and walking away from the laptops at the first hint of a mental block, believing that there is a rhythm to walking that complements the rhythm of the mind. Walking requires some concentration but not a lot, so your attention is free to wander on a walk of its own and your mind free to explore the possibilities that usually lay hidden under thoughts of mortgage payments, broadband speeds and what to cook for dinner.

A walker of average fitness should be able to complete a mile route in less than half an hour, which means it’s perfect to squeeze in first thing, at lunchtime, before dinner or as a perfect wind-down prior to bedtime.

We hope that you can rediscover the art of ambling, the wonder of walking and the slow, slow pace of strolling. Happy ambling!

Bryan Alston

Local One Mile Walks

• The Cob that links Porthmadog and Minffordd is exactly one mile long – and there’s a wonderful footpath on the eastern side with stunning views of the Moelwyn and Cnicht mountains.
• Try our Llyn Mair Walk – a tad over a mile but worth the extra distance!
• Walk from the Oakeley Arms to the centre of Maentwrog village and back. You could explore St Twrog’s Church whilst you’re there.
• Walk from Porthmadog to the lovely village of Borth-y-Gest, following the lane that leads from the harbour past the boatyards and drop into Borth-y-Gest at the bay front.

Tips for the art of walking

• Try to walk a mile every day. It doesn’t matter where or when, but choose a time that fits around your other commitments. You should only need half an hour or so.
• If you find a route that is particularly inspiring, stick to it. You’ll soon be able to complete the walk without even thinking about it, so your mind is free to wander.
• If you’re new to walking then start slowly and choose a route that isn’t too demanding.
• And if you’re a seasoned walker then why not try a one mile route anyway – it isn’t about exciting experiences or pushing limits, it’s just about taking time out of a busy day to unwind.
• And most of all – enjoy the walk and relax!