Five walks to try in October

Walking is a great way to get more regular exercise and boost your wellbeing – plus it’s free! My Journey, Southampton City Council’s sustainable travel brand, is inviting you to get your steps up for this year’s Walktober challenge. Together with walking app Go Jauntly, they have created a collection of local walking routes and challenges to help you walk to wellbeing in October and beyond. Each of the challenges is themed around the NHS’ 5 steps to mental wellbeing, which demonstrate simple actions we can all take to feel healthier and happier. Simply download Go Jauntly from the App Store or Google Play and try out of the below walks or discover the many other inspiring routes in the app.

Once you’ve tried out a walk and taken on a challenge, let us know at gojauntly.com/Southampton/submit and you’ll be entered into the prize draw for a family pack of return Red Jet tickets. The deadline for entries is Friday 4 November. Good luck!

• Tidy Tide Mill & Goatee Beach Fun

Time/distance: 1hr 15 mins/3.4km

This circular route in Totton will take you past a pub, through Tide Mill and across to Goatee Beach for epic views over Southampton’s water. Why not also visit Eling church en route?

Challenge: Connect

Building strong connections with the people around you can help you to feel happier and more secure. Take our Get Connected challenge and encourage your family and friends to join you on this route. You get to reconnect and spend time with your favourite people whilst out on a rather beautiful walk.

• Walk the Walls

Time/distance: 30 mins/1.0km

Trace Southampton’s history with a walk along the old city walls from Mayflower Park to Bargate.

Challenge: Be active

Being active is shown to improve your mental wellbeing and walking is a fun, free and easy way to do this. If you work in Southampton city centre and you’re keen to get more exercise into your day, take our Be active challenge and try out this short, central route on your lunch break.

• Titanic Tour of Southampton

Time/distance: 45 mins/2.4km

Titanic left Southampton in 1912. Take this tour around some of the historical landmarks across the city.

Challenge: Keep learning

Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and help you build your confidence. Take our Keep learning challenge and delve into the city’s maritime past on this historical walk through the city.

• Cool city parks, history and nature trail

Time/distance: 1hr/2.9km

Enjoy culture, sip coffee, admire architecture, notice nature and learn about Southampton’s history on this stroll through the city’s parks.

Challenge: Give to others

Even the smallest act of kindness can make you feel good and improve your mental wellbeing. Take our Give to others challenge and invite a friend to join you on this walk.

• Mini nature break & a cuppa tea

Time/distance: 20 mins/0.7km

Bring a friend or let the kids enjoy stomping in the mud on this nature filled, mini stroll around Swaythling.

Challenge: Be mindful

Being more aware of the present moment can help you stay grounded. Walking, getting outdoors and being in nature are great ways to help you be more mindful and notice the world around you. Take our Be mindful challenge and escape everyday stresses on this calming walk.