Walking back to happiness again

Spring is in the air. After a hard winter the frogspawn in my pond has appeared two weeks later than last year. Getting around by bicycle or on foot is becoming more enjoyable.

Across Central Devon there are volunteers who work with local councils to make it more attractive for people to get out and about as the weather improves.

In Morchard Bishop footpaths abound and Okehampton's Walk and Talk initiative by Natural England has won 

 national recognition.

Last Tuesday, a cloudlessly sunny morning saw me join in with the way-sign checking by the national cycle/footpaths paths charity Sustrans along part of Exeter's Green Circle - a 12 mile route round Exeter that anyone can enjoy in its whole or in sections.

We renewed the signs that help walkers follow the route. What a good amenity for anyone who wants to walk the winter pounds off.

Obesity is a growing problem that shortens lives, reduces quality of life and burdens our NHS  Getting out walking is good for you, and it's far better to encourage people to walk than chide anyone for gaining weight.

The Green Circle helps people appreciate the countryside too. Win, win.