Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2007/January 2008 | Page 52

life

SPORT & LEISURE

Island outdoors

WALKING THE
ISLAND
By James Kerr

M

any people are under the
misapprehension that you
have to do high-impact
exercise, such as running, to keep
fit and lose weight. The fact is, you
can do both by simply walking more
often, more strenuously and for a
longer time. You’ll burn more calories
by walking because a country trek is

52

exercise that you can sustain all day
long, whereas for most people a run
is a fairly short burst of activity.
The Isle of Wight is a perfect location to
walk regularly, whether you are a serious
rambler or a more leisurely stroller. It
has over 500 miles of well-maintained
and signposted footpaths and around 30
miles of Heritage Coastline, while more

than half of the Island is recognised as
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If you are serious about walking, it is
worthwhile investing in a pair of decent
walking boots. Get yourself measured
properly at a quality outdoors shop.
Get as much advice as you can – you
need boots that are not only the right
size, but will bend in the right places.

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