All credit to Hampshire County Council for putting together links to the 12 long distance paths that “run” through our county and give endless possibilities for us to get away from towns and tarmac. It’s a classic case of “well I didn’t know that, and now I do, I want to run it”.

There’s so much scope to plan much more interesting routes. All of a sudden you can add hills, fields, styles, streams and hidden paths that you never knew existed. Many of the Paths and Ways cross each other so you can hop from one to another and personalise your route. Add April’s sunshine and you have the perfect mix.

Our recent run from Winchester down to Fareham did just that starting with the obvious South Downs Way and then linking lesser well know routes. Keeping a sharp eye out for different coloured route markers is essential and having a printed version with you will save those difficult “is it here that we turn off ? ” decisions. Planning your route will both save time and add to the sense of achievement when you have finished.

Click on the link or find a similar one in your are. Step out of your door and go explore.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/longdistance.htm