From congestion to contentment: New Daily Discoveries Through Active Commuting.

As I'm sure most academics can agree, the joys of tireless teams lectures which dare to discover an expansive range of habitats confined to that of their desk, potentially a few squeaky chairs and most exquisitely an interesting carpet choice; has really engaged the curiosity of all environmental science students alike.

Like most of my course mates and 2nd-year students, enduring three semesters of textbook learning became somewhat demoralising, irrelevant, and most worryingly uninspiring. Not before long, I was hitting cruiser mode and heading straight for Mount Doom to dispose of my mediocracy.

Thankfully, I was soon introduced to 'Sustainable Exercise Partnership' who invited me to explore a few green commuting routes towards Keele University. I soon discovered that not only were these routes more direct from my student accommodation, but they broke up my regimental routine which had left me parched of creativity. I had no idea of the tremendous benefits that could be gained from short bursts of engagement with the natural world and that of approaching other happy commuters compared with that of the rampant charge of SUV's and delivery lorries found on the road walk. After a few months of passive observing, veering me through small mature woodlands and fields, my commute had managed to remarkably capture, foxes, buzzards, bullfinch, jay, woodpecker and other delights all existing within a relatively modest greenspace. I felt my conscience drifting again; for where have these foxes found a home? Do they usually travel alone or occasionally together? Why have the bluebells arrived so early - is this some sort of indicator for climate change?

For sure, all these questions could be answered by a quick plod on up to ye'old shaman's hut (which so happened to have a fibreoptic broadband connection) but actually where's the fun in that. Instead, I'm constantly reminded of my ignorance (though probably for the best), whilst being able to enjoy some light exercise and meet new people at a time that seems forever lonesome. I suppose the takeaway here is that even though we've been driven to find convenience within our lives - whether that be hopping in a car or bus and knowing our definitive route and destination; allowing such travel diversions (like parking further away or hopping off early to enjoy a longer greenspace route) is probably for the best.

'Pictures of the path, bluebells and other flora starting in Paris Avenue and finishing near the Caudwell Centre'.

If you're interested in viewing the full route with some guided directions, I've added some handy links to the following apps which are likewise also brilliant for finding your local dig!

Photo Description: https://app.gojauntly.com/walk/14216101556366873067 Komoot Trail App: https://www.komoot.com/invite-tour/367974251?code=kcuub7-RXjkU1KaKnRN5IP0oY5vWqlR8kgfDP9xx04igXiLROA

Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2822445782631910122

Slow Ways App:https://beta.slowways.org/supporting-slow-ways/

Learn more of StEP's Mission: https://steppep.com/about/our-mission/

Slow Ways are active partners with Sustainable Exercise Partnership (StEP) and have recently launched a website app allowing you to plan the best walking routes available for you to plan your own commute and discover new areas.