You know, Swindon is not a bad place to be if you want to get yourself off the sofa and get into the great outdoors. I've written at length here about the West Swindon sculpture walk and the walk along the old town railway path where the wheel sculptures are. But there are dozens more walks and cycle paths to be explored. Swindon is on the Sustrans cycle network for a start. Swindon benefits too from being flat in many areas so if, like me, you aren't that keen on hills, you are in the right place.

There are certainly numerous walks in Swindon that can be done in less than an hour - take a look here  at 'Get Walking- Keep Walking' for some ideas.  For a start there's an easy 40 minute walk from Windmill Hill, along Hay Lane, through Freshbrook and back.

However, if you fancy doing some organized walks you might consider the Swindon Health Walks.  As the website says:

'Swindon Health Walks are weekly group walks that encourage the use of our local parks and open spaces. Usually they last 40 - 60 minutes with refreshments offered at the end.'

There are currently eight different Swindon Health Walks available across the borough, all offering the opportunity to explore local green areas and communities.  The groups are friendly and welcome new walkers. Some walks offer occasional 'away day' specials.'

All the information you need is on the Health Walks website so do check it out. Alternatively you can find them on Facebook.

If you are up to something more strenuous consider joining the Ramblers Society - they have walks mapped out up and down the county and have groups in both Swindon and Highworth.

So ... all together now ... 'I love to go a wandering along the mountain track, I love to go a wandering with a knapsack on my back ...'