Words for Walks | Coddiwomple

CODDIWOMPLE ‘To travel purposefully towards a vague destination’ (verb, English)

While striding out to reach a charming village, castle or pub certainly has its pleasures, setting off with nothing particular in mind invites spontaneity; it frees us up to follow an intriguing path or climb a hill simply to see a new view.

A ‘coddiwomple’ might be a wholly unstructured walk or perhaps a moment of drifting away from the path to explore on a whim. If aimlessly wandering feels like a recipe for getting lost (and not in a good way), then why not apply the same principle to exploring a rambling country estate where you can’t go too far astray?

Seek out places that invite wonder such as Hawkstone Park Follies, Shropshire, where you can meander through 100 acres of labyrinthine tunnels, sandstone caves and rhododendron jungles. Or Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire, a maze of enticing pathways between mossy rock formations – with no set trails, when you reach a fork in the path, simply choose your route and walk purposefully ahead.

The extract above is just one of the words for walks in our feature ‘Talk the Walk’ from our May issue. Enjoy a Solivagant, a Dauwtrappen or a Passeggiatta from page 52.

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More from our May issue…

More ways to walk…

Playlist | A September ramble

Join us on a ramble this month with our latest playlist. Take a listen on Spotify here
Or have a browse of all our playlists here.

Wellbeing | Books to Inspire a Walk

A good walk is good for the soul. Take a hike from the comfort of your armchair with one these great books that will inspire you to put your best foot forward

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn (Penguin)

After Winn and her husband Moth lose their home and business, and he receives a terminal diagnosis, the couple decide to walk the South West Coast path – 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset via Devon and Cornwall – carrying all they have on their backs. It’s a tale of coming to terms with grief and the power of nature to heal.

Wild: A Journey From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed (Atlantic Books)

Following the death of her mother, Strayed took on the Pacific Crest Trail – 1,100 miles up the US West Coast, including desert, ice and wild animals. Her account not only deals with her physical challenges (losing her toenails) but her emotional reckoning, too. It’s now a film starring Reese Witherspoon.

I Belong Here: A Journey Along The Backbone of Britain by Anita Sethi (Bloomsbury Wildlife)

When Sethi became the victim of racist abuse on a train, it sparked a period of anxiety. Motivated by claustrophobia to find open spaces, and determined that the crime would not stop her travelling, she hiked the Pennines, reclaiming the landscape and her right to be in it.

The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd (Canongate)

Shepherd’s short account of walking in the Cairngorms was written in the 1940s, but she chose not to publish it until 1977. It’s been an influence on nature writers such as Robert Macfarlane.

Windswept: Why Women Walk by Annabel Abbs (Two Roads)

Part memoir, part history, Abbs tells the story of trailblazing women, including Daphne du Maurier and Simone de Beauvoir.

OR TRY THESE NEW TITLES…

Between the Chalk and the Sea: A Journey on Foot into the Past by Gail Simmons (Headline)
This follows a long-lost pilgrim route between Southampton and Canterbury.

Sarn Helen: A Journey Through Wales, Past, Present and Future by Tom Bullough (Granta Books)
An evocative account of a journey along the old Roman road that runs from the south of Wales to the north.

Finding Hildasay: How One Man Walked the UK’s Coastline and Found Hope and Happiness by Christian Lewis (Macmillan)
In a bid to counter depression, Lewis sets off around the coast with £10 and two days’ worth of food.

In our February issue, we have a feature on walking in company by Duncan Minshull, author of Where My Feet Fall (William Collins). Turn to page 36 to read it.

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How to | Plan a Good Walk

As with so many things in life, the key to a good walk is all in the planning and anticipation… and the pub

Spontaneity definitely has its place, but sometimes you just need a solid plan, and a spring walk is one of those times. Heading off into the great outdoors, breathing the cold air and the world opening up before you can fill us with a confidence like nothing else. But a fair idea of how far away the nearest fish pie and a pint and a clean toilet is can really improve the mood on a long walk. Here are a few steps to planning a good walk and putting the pedestrian fates in your favour. 

Start with a good map. 

An Ordnance Survey Explorer map is best, as it gives you the best scale for walking and enough detail to be able to see where you can cross private land, find a phone box and might need wellies to cross a stream. If you don’t have a paper map you can always plan online at https://explore.osmaps.com/en?l. 

Devise a circular walk or at least make sure there’s a bus back

Many planned walks you’ll find in books or online can leave you five miles from your start point with no hope of getting home, so plan your own but do your research. Circular walks (where the end is back at the start) are ideal, dropping you back home or to your car. But if you want to go out and not back, plan your walk to some public transport (and don’t forget to check timetables and make sure the buses run on Sundays and don’t stop at 4pm). 

Get the boring but important bits out of the way first

Are you walking at the coast? You might need to check tide times. How about crossing railway tracks or busy roads?  It might be an idea to check busiest times and ensure you’ll be able to cross safely. It’s also important to check the weather; not only will you need to be properly dressed and kitted out but the weather might also affect your route if high winds are predicted, for example, and you need to avoid areas that are high up or close to trees that might shed branches, perhaps. 

Plan the pub

Now for the fun part. Locate the pubs (look for a PH) on the map and then do some research. There’s nothing so disheartening as arriving at the pub in the rain, ready for a roaring fire and a large glass of red only to discover it’s closed for refurbishments. Call and check they’ll be open on the day and check out the menu as well so you know what you’re looking forward to. 

Plan in your snacks

While we’re on the subject of sustenance, pack plenty of water and check that there will be shops or pubs where you can refill along the way. And plan to pack up a few snacks, too, if it’s a long walk. Some cake or flapjack, wrapped in foil and a flask of tea or coffee will see you right when lunch feels a long way off.

Ditto your walking companions

Think carefully about whether your walk pals will be up to the route you’ve planned, will get on with each other and will appreciate the walk as a whole. If you choose to go alone, perhaps plan in a podcast to listen to along the way. 

Seek out an adventure

Find a ‘main event’ to plan your walk around. It might be a fabulous view, an ancient church to look round or a geographical feature you want to stop off at and explore. Try to plan the walk so that the ‘event’ is about a third of the way through. You don’t want to peak too soon but you also don’t want the walk to feel like the first third of The Lord of the Rings. 

Keep them guessing

Plan in a surprise, too. Your companions will thank you for something that lifts their spirits in the last part of the walk, and post pub. It could be something as silly as a great photo opportunity, or a good ice cream shop, or as impressive as a fine piece of architecture or a point of historical interest. If you’re struggling, a good tip is always an ice box with ice creams inside, stashed in the boot of your car when you get back to the start. 

In our March issue, we have a feature all about ways to walk, adapted from 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time by Annabel Streets (Bloomsbury). Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

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Old railway tracks

Offering unusual routes and easy navigation, old railway tracks are ideal for hiking, biking or just a wander in nature. 

Some former routes have been restored for use as heritage lines, offering passengers the chance to enjoy the full sensory experience of steam: the smoky scent in the air, the magical chuff-chuff of acceleration and the occasional tuneful whistle.

They include:

The Bluebell Railway

Climb aboard splendid steam trains with romantic names such as the Sussex Belle and Golden Arrow running between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park in East Sussex; bluebell-railway.com.

North York Moors Railway

Admire the North York Moors National Park from the steam trains on this not-for-profit, volunteer-led railway, which is fast approaching its 200th birthday – don’t miss Goathland, famous for playing fictitious stations including Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade, as well as a turn in 1990s TV show Heartbeat; nymr.co.uk.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Indulge in afternoon tea and first-class travel as you steam between Porthmadog and Caernarfon along the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway – the carriages’ windows framing magnificent mountainous views as it passes through Snowdonia; festrail.co.uk.

Turn to page 62 of September's The Simple Things for Ruth Chandler on her love of old railway tracks, or read on for some of her favourite routes.

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More from the September issue:

More outdoor living:

Escape | Head for the (little) hills

Often overshadowed by mountains, our lesser peaks are easier to get to, take less time to climb, and are, of course, masses of fun

Entice the unwilling
Ways to ensure your outing isn’t all an uphill struggle

Make it a treasure hunt
Do the walk yourself first and hide sweets or treats under rocks or in trees, and then draw a map. Kids will love it.

Share your kit
It’s hard to surrender your favourite waterproof, but you want your friends/family to have a great time and come again, so make sure they stay warm and dry.

Plan rewards
Surprise companions with their favourite chocolate bar or sandwich – or take them to an unexpected point of interest or time your arrival for sunset – it will make them yearn for more.

Turn to page 69 of January's The Simple Things for more on our guide to climbing hills.

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More from the January issue:

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Escape: Get walking

May is National Walking Month and the charity Living Streets is urging us to walk for 20 minutes a day as part of its Try20 campaign. 

If you need motivation, try one of these:

• Borrow a dog
  If you love dogs but don’t own one, sign up to borrowmydoggy.com to make contact with dog owners in your area who need a hand with walking.
   
• Track your walks
  Use an app such as Map My Walk, a Fitbit fitness tracker or a pedometer to keep track of your distance and feel your motivation soar.
   
• Do it for charity
  The app Charity Miles donates money from corporate sponsors to your chosen charity for every mile you walk.
   
• Make it a mindfulness exercise
  Walking is a great way to integrate mindfulness into your day. Instead of walking on autopilot with your legs moving and your mind elsewhere, observe what’s around you and the sensations in your body. Use the regular rhythm of your walk to keep your mind from wandering off and notice how much calmer and clearer-headed you feel afterwards.
  livingstreets.org.uk

More from the May issue:

More walking inspiration:

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Escape: How to spot a lost river

It's not all about Thermos flasks and hiking boots, a long walk through your nearest town or city can be as invigorating and enlightening as a country ramble. 

Turn to page 66 of October's The Simple Things for a closer look at discovering neighbourhood secrets on a good long urban walk, and read on for how to spot a lost river.

How to spot a lost river

In many large cities, rivers have been diverted and hidden underground to make way
for growing cities. You can still see traces of their path on the ground, if you know what to look for:

Stink pipes

Tall, thin poles with no wires attached. When Victorian sewers were built, often incorporating rivers, these allowed the release of potentially explosive gases.

Gushing water sounds

If you hear this beneath drains and manhole covers it’s a giveaway.

Roads that slope

They may echo the course of a river towards its outlet.

Confusing boundaries

Rivers were once used as natural delineations between one borough or district and the next. 

More from the October issue:

More Escape posts:

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Turning leaves: why they change colour and where to see them

Never mind all that mists and mellow fruitfulness malarkey, it’s autumn’s turning leaves that provide this season’s true high point, with the bonus of a science lesson on the side. Find out why they change and where to witness this magical scene.

The annual gold rush, when deciduous leaves change colour, is produced when the days get shorter, with cool, but not freezing, nights. This prompts trees to reduce green chlorophyll production, giving other pigments a chance to shine, albeit briefly.

Leaf shedding, called abscission, is all about preparing for winter; leaves are fragile things that could dessicate or freeze during the coldest months. To prevent damage they drop off, but not before withdrawing valuable pigments like chlorophyll and forming a thin band of dead cells at the base of the stem that separates leaf and stalk. When it dies and drops to the forest floor, any useful nutrients can be reabsorbed as the leaf decomposes.

Where to see the leaves turning

Go down to the woods today… and you’ll catch one of nature’s finest displays. No matter how many times we’ve seen it before, the vivid hues of red, gold, yellow and orange that cloak the trees and carpet the ground this month never lose impact. A walk in the woods, park or simply down a tree-lined road provides an instant mood-lift.

Here are our top five spots:
Westonbirt, the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, famous for its riot of autumnal colour and the UK’s largest collection of Japanese maples (acer), which are at their best right now.

Salcey Forest near Northampton, for a bird’s eye view of the forest in all its glory, from the Tree Top Way.

Crinan Wood, Argyll and Bute, Scotland – the warm, moist climate in this magical wood means it’s often described as Scotland’s rainforest. It’s home to a wide variety of ferns and lichens, too.

Brede High Woods, Cripps Corner, East Sussex. This is a large wood where you can spot many varieties of tree, as well as some of the UK’s most important creatures, including the great crested newt, badgers, fallow deer and the brook lamprey dormouse.

Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent – the largest collection of conifers in the world. Lots to keep kids entertained, too, from the Gruffalo trail to the Go Ape adventure park.

Read more:

From the November issue

Pressed leaves - craft ideas

Five ways to use up your pumpkins

Turn to page 70 of November's The Simple Things for more on arboretums, kicking leaves and making the most of autumn.

November's The Simple Things is out now - buy, download or subscribe.

Escape: Islands of adventure

For a real get-away-from-it-all day out, hop on a boat and sail to a British island. Timeless, remote and teeming with wildlife, they are the places for a carefree escape. 

In the March issue of The Simple Things, Clare Gogerty explores some of the 6289 islands around the British coast - turn to page 72 for her adventures.

Alternatively, read Clare's new book: The National Trust Book of the Coast. Many of our happiest memories are made at the coast. And little wonder whether we head there for a bucket-and-spade holiday, a blustery walk along a coastal path or a day's sailing around a choppy headland, the British coast has plenty of opportunities for mood-boosting pleasure. It's where we go to get away from the frenetic pace of modern life, to stare at the horizon and stride out on a long stretch of sand, a dog scampering before us. 

Fifty years ago the National Trust launched Enterprise Neptune, a landmark campaign to protect our coast. Today, thanks to the Neptune Coastline Campaign, the Trust looks after some of the most beautiful and important coastline across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This book is a celebration of those places; a book for all those who love the British coast, from the wide sweep of Northumberland's dunes to the drama of the Giant's Causeway. It's the place to discover the endless sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula, the secluded coves of Cornwall and the iconic white cliffs of Dover. 

As well as paying homage to Britain's coastline, this is an inspirational and practical guide on everything from beach coming and wild swimming to birdwatching and geology. There are spotters guides to coastal wildlife, together with suggestions for local accommodation, popular walking paths and nature trails, and nearby National Trust properties to head to once you've shaken the sand from your shoes. Whether you're an armchair explorer or keen to get out there yourself, this is a vivid picture of the landscape, history and wildlife of our dynamic coastline.

The wonder of walking

It stills the mind, rejuvenates the body and helps to connect our inner and outer world. Walking is so much more than getting from A to B.

On any given weekend, between seven and eight million people in the UK go for a walk, many leaving cities to walk in the hills or across the fields of the open countryside. Whether hiking alone or perambulating with friends, we share the sense of liberation that comes with walking. Out in the open air, free from observation or judgement, you can sing as loudly as you care to, shout out loud at the wind, lie down and sleep... eat with your mouth open, if you must.

Read Peter Owen Jones’ paean to perambulating on page 93 of the April issue of The Simple Things - out on 25 March 2015. Off on a jaunt of your own? Have a listen to Associate Editor, Clare Gogerty’s walking playlist while you explore the great outdoors.

Wellbeing: take a walking meeting

Arianna Huffington's secret to success is surprisingly simple. Sitting down less could make you healthier - and happier.  In her new book, Thrive, Arianna Huffington attempts to redefine the very notion of success by adding to the conventional measures of power and money a 'third metric' that focuses on lives well-lived. One of her top tips is the standing desk: a work-station that allows the user to work while standing rather than sitting. Arianna also devotes an entire section of her book to the multiple benefits of walking. Turn to page 62 of June's The Simple Things (out 30 May 2014) for the full article.

Likewise, Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a "walking meeting" — and let ideas flow while you walk and talk. Watch the video now:

Escaping: Moon Walk

Can't wait for longer spring days to enjoy the great outdoors? You don't need to. Go for a moon walk under night skies At the tail end of winter, just before the clocks go forward, those of us who thrive in the majesty of the great outdoors start to dream. Tantalising images of sparkling spring days fill our thoughts, while some of us fantasise future ahead to the long and idyllic days of summer. And, of course, it's right that we dream; half the fun of exploring the hills, valleys, summits and coastline of our dazzling land comes from the planning and plotting of future fresh air adventures. the thought of long lazy hours spend amid basking landscapes helps sustain us through the days.

But sometimes dreaming is not enough. A snuggly jumper, a comfy sofa and a great book help us cope. There comes a point though, when the urge to be ouside and striding purposefully flares up too fiercely to ignore.

So what's a lover of great walks in the fresh air supposed to do during these tough times? The answer is simple: pull on your warm clothes, step outside and embrace the joys of the night-time ramble. Many a dull, depressing day has been revived through a heady mix of chilled night air, gentle exertion and a reflective cuppa from a flask - or something stronger in front of a roaring pub fire at the end of the evening's ambulatory adventure.

The trick is to start off slowly and build your confidence. Pick a favourite short walk - ideally one you know really well, with an elevated vantage point boasting twinkling views. Pick a bright, clear night when there's no chance of rain. Invite a willing friend along, making sure you pack a flask of scalding tea or the finest hot chocolate and some of your favourite sustenance. Then let your feet and your burgeoning spirit of adventure do the rest.

What to wear

You don't need specialist gear to enjoy basic night walking, but some items are recommended. Sturdy footwear is a must, along with a torch and spare batteries. A rucksack with ample food and liquid is also a sensible step - and there's nothing better than a flask of rich hot chocolate or tea while contemplating a stunning night-time vista. Always dress according to the the weather, and if it's very cold you should take extra layers in case you need to stop for any reason. As a rule of thumb the more ambitious your night walk, the more clothing and provisions you should take with you, just in case you're out longer than planned.

Staying safe

As long as you stay safe within your limits and take sensible precautions, walking at night should be no more hazardous than during the day. Always let someone know where you're going, your approximate route and when you expect to be back. While you're finding your feet, it's sensible to walk with others - and it's fun to share your new experiences. If you're keen to press on to more ambitious night hikes on higher ground, gaining some navigational and map-reading skills is recommended.

For more on the joys of a starlit ramble, turn to page 66 of of The Simple Things issue 21.

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Win a cosy winter break with New Forest Living and The Simple Things

Relax, recharge, unwind. Spend a long weekend in a forest hideaway, Hunters Moon cottage in Godshill is the perfect setting for a weekend getaway...

As the summer holiday season draws to a close we’re already dreaming of winter breaks in unspoilt countryside: watching the sun rise across misty fields, warming our toes in front of an open fire. So we’ve teamed up with New Forest Living to give you a chance to win a three night weekend break in a rural idyll.*

Click here to enter now before 30th September 2013!

* The prize is a three-night self-catering weekend break at Hunters Moon cottage in Godshill (from Friday to Monday, accommodation only) for four people plus one dog, worth up to £775. The break must be booked before 14th October 2013 and taken between 1st November 2013 and 3rd February 2014 (excluding Christmas, New Year, school holidays and bank holidays), and is subject to availability.

To book a relaxing break call 0845 680 0173 or visit www.newforestliving.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday: A journey through Southern Italy

Dreaming of getting lost between olive groves, discovering secret caves on the coastline, and marveling at the Baroque architecture.

To find out more about Puglia visit the Inntravel website.

Ten wandering songs...

Taken from Issue 07, here is our perfect playlist for stomping over hills and across the moors. Enjoy...

Packing for adventure in Issue 7

Fact behind the mag: wooden boats are a daily sight on Derwent Water, part of the Keswick Launch Company, this boat (just scene) was moored on the shore close to the repair workshop for the boats.

‘Pull on your boots and see where your feet take you’

This month’s mag is all about finding adventure in the great British countryside. Inside we show you how to find the best routes, pick out the essential gear, and even cook up the perfect pocket picnic, but before we ramblers set off we have to face the somewhat dreaded task of packing, yikes. Luckily our friends at Millican have stopped by to show us how to prepare for a two day hike. Boots, waterproofs, snacks, maps, and poles all in one bag? No problem.

Dave the Rucksack from Millican on Vimeo.

The adventure continues inside Issue 7...