KEEPING YOUR LOCAL WALK INTERESTING

With the government advising us all to make sure we take our daily exercise but to keep it local. We've found some ideas to help keep your walks interesting for you and all the family.

1. Geocaching

There are millions of geocaches hidden around the world—there are probably some near you right now. Get the free Official Geocaching app and start finding them. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. ... sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location. Why not incorporate looking for a geocache on your daily exercise walk, its fun for all ages.

2. Map Reading

Hand over the map to your kids – they will love the feeling of responsibility of being able to lead the family. This could be an app on a phone or for older kids invest in some ordnance survey maps – they are lots of fun to try and navigate.

3 . Treasure Hunts

Look online for outdoor scavenger hunt kits you can buy or make up your own. Create a list of things your could get the family to find on your walk. Make sure there is a prize for the winner.

4. Find Local Walks

Not sure where to walk locally or in need of new ideas, check out these websites for ideas, National Trust, Ramblers and Walking Britain.

5. Matchbox Walk

Give your child a small matchbox to take with you on your walk and ask them to fill it with tiny nature treasures they find. You’ll appreciate not having to carry home yet another pine cone and this will teach them to admire the small things in nature and wildlife.

6. City Trails

If you live in a city, see if there are local trails you can walk. Check out the local tourism website and look up local historic trails. Many of our big cities have trails you can follow.

7. Take a Penny

If you’re out for your daily exercise and don’t mind where you roam – take a penny with you and get your kids to choose left or right to represent heads or tails. Every time you reach a juncture – toss your coin to see which way you should go. This is a really fun walking game for kids of all ages.