If you're the kind of person who believes that exercise should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, preferably without breaking into a sweat, then a stroll with the
Metropolitan Walkers might appeal – though in warm weather, you might feel a bead of the salty stuff forming on your brow.
The Metropolitan Walkers offer a wonderful way to increase your heart rate while at the same time enjoying the great outdoors in the company of like-minded individuals.
The group likes to mix it up a bit, so it never gets boring. There are all kinds of walks available, some of which are beyond the cosy confines of the M25, so check their website for details and take your pick.
The walk may, for example, be around a London park, through one of the capital's villages, or along a river.
Some, at four miles, are relatively short, while others are much,
much longer (17 miles, anyone?).
Most Metropolitan Walkers are in their early twenties to early forties, and new members are always welcome.
According to their website, "most walks end at the pub", which seems like as good a place as any to finish a stroll.
They like to do other social stuff from time to time too, like theatre visits or meet-ups in restaurants.
Conveniently, most walks begin and end close to train or tube stations, so no worries if you don't have transport of your own to get you to the starting point.
After three walks, you'll need to take out a membership to continue walking with them.
This costs £31 for a year, which really isn't much if you go on a couple of walks a week (there are up to five a week throughout the year).
Membership includes full information on upcoming walks and social events, a magazine called "Walk" (I'm guessing it's about walking), discount opportunities at various outdoor stores, and more.
Walks usually take place at the weekend (two on a Saturday and two on a Sunday), together with an evening stroll on Tuesdays.
If you'd like to see a bit more of London and hopefully make a few new friends at the same time, head along to
the Metropolitan Walkers website for more information. Happy walking!
