Rotary Rambles

On Saturday 1 May we ventured out on our longest walk to date (seven miles) on a rather crisp but sunny spring day.

We met at the Mariners (still following the rule of six) and walked down Gaymers Lane, turned right on to the footpath and over the big bridge. We then followed the pathway alongside the railway line, past the horses, across the onion field onto Thorpe Lane before heading down to Trimley Foreshore. From here we turned left along the coastline through the wooded area before eventually picking up the path into Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve. 

From here you follow the path towards the skeletal outlines of Felixstowe’s cranes. On reaching these impressive giants, continue along the path for a good mile or so to exit the reserve onto Cordys Lane. You then walk up the lane, across the railway line and head back via The Avenue and alongside Stennetts Park to the Mariners.

If you haven’t walked this route, then you should. It’s worth taking your time as the scenery is quite stunning with views of the Orwell Estuary and plenty of bird activity. There are firm tracks and natural surface paths through the nature reserve: it’s fairly level by the coast and gently undulating inland. The maturing reedbeds, shallow lagoons and islands provide a variety of habitats throughout the year creating a fantastic place for birds and visitors.

We want to share each walk we do so you can try it for yourself. In the meantime, here is a little information on the benefits of walking:

Can walking help you lose weight? 

Walking is an excellent form of exercise that can, from my own experience, aid weight loss and provide other health benefits. Moreover, you can enjoy your surroundings, perhaps listening to some music or the sounds of nature, or taking a walk with the dog, whilst burning off those extra calories.

As always, I don’t claim to be a doctor or a specialist in this field, but I have always believed that any exercise can only be good for you. However, several factors can influence the number of calories burned when walking. These include terrain, temperature, your age and sex, your weight, your walking speed, how long you walk and, of course, what you eat and drink on the way. There are no guarantees or promises, but over time it may keep you a little trimmer, a bit fitter and help improve your sleep too.

For more details visit Rotary Club of Felixstowe online or on Facebook where you’ll find the routes and tips of what you should take with you on your adventures.

Keep Walking!

Due to current restrictions, Rotary walks are for the Rotary Club of Felixstowe only but we hope to widen the invitation to the public when circumstances allow.