The coronavirus pandemic may have dragged on a lot longer than so many of us thought and hoped for. And mainland Scotland may be in tier 4 lockdown but for those who live on the East Coast of Scotland and within the Dunbar area, there has never been a better time to explore the beautiful natural coastline and begin 2021 with a refreshing walk.
All around Dunbar there are the most beautiful and soul searching walks. A mixture of long and short options that are perfect for all ranges of ability.
From the short but breathtaking Clifftop Trail to the beach walks that exhilarate. And of course Dunbar is at the end of the 134 mile coast to coast route, the John Muir Way (though with the current isolation/distancing rules, we don’t advise you try that one just now).
Why starting 2021 with a refreshing walk is a good idea. And here are 5 reasons why…
Number 1.
After all the little treats, mince pies and general over eating and drinking that forms the bulk of the Christmas holidays, you can start the new year and your new years resolutions right with a nature walk that gets you out of the house and begins the process of burning off those Christmas calories.
A brisk walk can burn between 60 – 100 calories per mile (based on how energetic a walk you are doing). Which means you can really burn the fat without even realising it.
Number 2.
Start the new year in the right mental frame of mind. After everything that we have been through in 2020, starting the new year with a bit of East Coast fresh air may be just what the Doctor ordered. Walking isn’t just good for burning calories. It is also good for your mental state. It can improve your self-esteem, overall mood and even your quality of sleep at the end of the day. So after all the lazy Christmas days, get your boots on and get your brain into the right gear to start 2021 with a bang!
Number 3.
Beyond calorie burning and mental health, getting a good walk under you is great for your all round body. It can lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bodies bones and can help reduce (and even prevent_ some levels of heart diseas and diabetes.
Number 4.
Get some space. While we may have been restricted from seeing family and friends over Christmas, you may also have been locked in with your immediate family and a walk on your own may be the perfect tonic. A walk can do wonders for some sole searching peace.
Number 5.
Its an excuse to finally discover or rediscover parts of Dunbar and the surrounding area that you never knew existed or have not seen since you were a kid. We are all guilty of not discovering our local area sometimes and now is the perfect chance to put that right. Get your walking boots on and get out there, start 2021 the way you mean to go on.
Here is to a Happy 2021 for everyone.