National Walking Month is an annual campaign that promotes the benefits of walking not only physically but mentally too, as well as the positive impact on the environment if you chose to travel on two feet rather than hopping in the car. Whether you walk for pleasure, exercise or active travel, we want to promote the amazing paths, parks and green spaces you can explore in Chelmsford.

On our fun and learning pages, we have three self-guided walks that offer the key to discovering some hidden gems around the district. You could take to Admirals Park where there’s multiple routes to choose from, following the Heritage and Nature walks guidance.

These walks not only get your steps in, encourage you to spend time in the fresh air and refresh your mind. They allow you to find points of interest around our parks that we’re proud to signpost residents and visitors to. It shows how peaceful these areas within the city can be, as well as vibrant with colours of blossoming flora and fauna. In May, blossom sprinkles pinks and whites into the landscape while blooming crocuses’ turn the ground into a purple wonderland.

Images: One of the Love Your Chelmsford team recently did the Tower Gardens self-guided walk following our online map and they enjoyed the peaceful, May day in the sun taking in the lovely park setting

If wellbeing is important to you, then the Heart and Sole programme could be for you! This free walk scheme, run by volunteers with support from the Chelmsford City Sports Community Sport and Wellbeing team, provides regular walks for groups. You can get fit while meeting like-minded people who have a passion for exploring the outdoors and prioritising time spent in the fresh air. Different routes are utilised each session and they welcome everyone to give it a go and join them, it could be a new hobby and you could also make some new friends. Find out more here: Heart and Sole Walks

Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or a stroll seeker, use National Walking Month as a time for celebration. This free, simple and extremely rewarding activity is something we can all enjoy and living in Chelmsford means there’s plenty to enjoy and explore.

Find out self-guided walks here: https://loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/fun-and-learning/self-guided-walks/