The Optimistic Walker - explore those off-road delights

David Bathurst shares his passion for walking and explains why it might just be what we all need in these difficult times - particularly when we are in a county as beautiful as Sussex.
David BathurstDavid Bathurst
David Bathurst

In my previous piece I wrote about the enormous variety of things you can see simply by a walk along roads in your locality. In today’s I’m going to consider the delights that await you by walking “off road.”

There is not yet, in this country, a right to walk freely off road in the countryside. Some areas have been designated “access land” where you may roam at will. These are clearly delineated on maps and also well signposted. There may be areas of countryside including paths, tracks and lanes, where the landowner may turn a blind eye to walkers, but I would not advise your following them unless you have permission. Especially for the “beginning” explorer of the countryside, you should to stick to public rights of way. Public rights of way come in four kinds: public byway, restricted byway, public bridleway or public footpath. They will be clearly signposted at the beginning and end, and at path junctions or where there is a significant change of direction. All four rights of way are open to walkers. On public footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways no motor vehicles are allowed (although vehicles may be permitted for access purposes) so the going will generally be both safe, peaceful and free from petrol fumes.

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Once away from the road and on public paths, you’re much better able to appreciate the variety of plant life, bird life and wildlife that the countryside offers. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the massive diversity of trees, flowers and shrubs that line public paths, from mighty oaks that have stood for centuries, to delicate cherry blossom that you’ll see in the spring. At the time of writing bluebells are springing up everywhere, and in many woodland areas you’ll find profusions of bluebells creating an almost sea-like effect amidst the trees that shade them. Many flowers and shrubs create their own individual scent, and one of the loveliest and most distinctive is that of the hawthorn which flowers during May.

May is also the month for the cow parsley which can be seen decorating many verges and hedgerows, while beside your path you may enjoy the rich yellows of buttercups and cowslips. In my previous piece I referred to the joys of bird song, and those joys are accentuated when you get away from the traffic, and the birdsong provides the only soundtrack on your walk. Look out too for the many animals and insects that will be all around you, sometimes closer at hand than you realise. On a recent walk, miles from the nearest road, I sat down for a rest and a brief read, and was enthralled by the sight of a minuscule ladybird crawling along the page. As the weather warms up, so the number and variety of butterflies increases, from plain yellow to the delicate and exquisite colours of the red admiral. It is indeed reassuring to see that despite the fact that lockdown has in a sense put our lives on hold, nature’s cycle continues unabated, the changing seasons providing changing vistas and new arrivals.

So why not use your permitted daily exercise to seek out a public path that you’ve not previously explored. Not only will such a walk introduce you to the joys I’ve referred to above but it will also provide new perspectives and broaden your knowledge of the locality. As far as locating such a path is concerned, you may already know where to find one as a result of your travelling along local roads, but otherwise, check a map, either online or a good old-fashioned paper map.

Next time I’ll talk more about “staying safe” in the countryside.

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