Over the last couple of years my desire to get up and get outdoors almost supersedes my desire to get up and go drink Pink Fizz. I regret the years I spent lazing on the sofa watching the world go by and firmly intend to spend the rest of my years looking for the beauty in the world.
Starting at home, the UK is an incredible landscape to explore with hills and coastlines that are simply breath-taking all through the year.
This year I am joining in with the National Trusts “Great British Walk” campaign. Pulling on my walking boots and getting out into the wilds.
I have all the gear, left over from my fantastic trip to Morocco last May. However, I have been working with Sprayway, as they have some amazing gear for the outdoor activist. They have kindly helped me prepare for the British winter by sending me a Sprayway Willow Parka to help me on my travels.
The Sprayway story began in Chorlton, Manchester, 1974. The genius idea of two outdoor enthusiasts, the brand was born out of a love for the greatttt outdoors. With 40 successful years behind them, Sprayway are over the moon to bring to market the new AW15 range of Sprayway outerwear, which is entirely exclusive to Blacks and the JD Group. The range features a new style and range all branded with the original Sprayway logo.
Putting on the Willow Parka is like climbing into a cuddle, it offers comfort to a walker than I have not experienced in a coat before. It is fully lined with an exclusive Exo therm 200 hi fleece which seals in body heat. It is going to be fantastic when I battle the three peaks at nightfall later this year.
It fits perfectly, allowing room for plenty of layers underneath. I wear a size 10-12 and the 12 is perfect to sit around my lumps and bumps and allow me to move comfortably without feeling restricted.
Plus the hugging lining is combined with a 2 layer Hyro-dry breathable fabric which can deal with both rain and snow effectively.
The faux fur trim is removable – but why would you want to? And finally, it looks great even when only walking to the school run!
My first spot to try out my lovely new coat will be the coastlines of Cornwall as I head down there on a walking trip at the end of October. According to the National Trust coastal walking will make you sleep longer and feel happier.
Benefits of walking by the coast
UK coast walkers sleep an average of 47 minutes longer after a walk by the sea! It also boosts your happy thoughts and 62% of coastal walkers say they feel a sense of escapism.
I know when walking by the sea I can get lost in my own world; happy listening to the sound of the sea crashing against the shore. I take the time to remember loved ones, to relax my mind and to simply let my thoughts wander.
Walking can ease most worries for a while
For some walking inspiration, check out the National Trusts Top 10 Coastal Walks:
Breath-taking views of the Jurassic coast on the Purbeck Countryside, Old Harry Rocks walk
Stunning views across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point on the Potters Hill and Woolacombe Down walk
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters offers one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast
Take in the sights at Newtown Nature Reserve estuary walk
Look out for rare sea birds and seals at Blakeney National Nature Reserve
Explore the heathland peninsula with amazing views over the Pembrokeshire coast at Marloes Peninsula
For a bracing and beautiful coastal walk, Northumberland is without comparison
Discover Formby’s hidden secrets, past and present
The Old Saltburn to Warsett Hill walk kicks off in the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and has many interesting features
Runkerry trail near Giant’s Causeway is a stunning clifftop walk which has significant numbers of breeding skylark, stonechat, linnet and occasional chough
2015 is the 50th anniversary of the National Trust’s Neptune Coastline Campaign – one of the longest running environmental campaigns in Western Europe which has resulted in the charity managing 775 miles of coast in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, equating to almost 10% of England, Wales and Northern Ireland’s coastline.
For more information on Great British Walk, head to the website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walking. To see the full Sprayway Range and get your hands on some amazing outdoor gear please head to www.blacks.co.uk/br:sprayway
gosh, I love this – am a NT member and huge fan. Sprayway is a great brand – I’ve had bits of their kit over the years – always good.
Oh I do love a nice walk and you do need a good cuddly coat for a winter walk!