Welcome to Bournemouth Happy Mondays Ramblers group!
We are primarily a social group and our walks end with an optional lunch at a local pub or cafe.
Our walks start Monday 10:00 within one hour's drive of Bournemouth - so mostly East Dorset and the New Forest. Walks are typically from 4 to 8 miles, with occasional day walks.
Check out our slide show above to see what you've been missing!
Due to the popularity of our walks we now operate up to three walks with different routes, each Monday, sometimes with a limit of 25 walkers per walk - as a health and safety measure. (This is purely precautionary, we have only had very few very minor incidents throughout our history.)
The pace is moderate with brief stops as needed. We take a 10 minute snack/drink break halfway round - weather permitting! It's not an endurance competition!
The distance and level of difficulty vary with the route and will be indicated in the route description.
Please only join a walk if you are confident you can complete it . It is not always possible to find a shorter route back to the start.
Your safety is your own responsibility.
Some walk leaders carry First Aid kits but if you feel one is essential for you, you are advised to bring your own.
This is a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness. It's a typical burn of 500 calories - though you may put some back on at lunch! More .....
You are very welcome to join us for up to three taster walks, before becoming a Ramblers member. Your membership helps the Ramblers which is doing a lot to protect and open up paths throughout Britain. As a member you also benefit from liability insurance and discount at Cotswold Outdoor. Click here to join the Ramblers.
Sorry, but our walks are not suitable for children. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Our walks are very low risk but please complete an In Case Of Emergency card and bring it with you.
If you are new to rambling, please review our Walking Guidance page to make the most of your walk.
While visiting this site, if you see any broken links, please contact us so we can correct them - Thanks!
OK this next bit is important!
Click here to see how to join our walks.
We have three WhatsApp groups: (N.B. you can take yourself out of any group at any time).
- Bournemouth Happy Mondays - strictly for messages about the walks. Being a member of this group means the routes will come to you each week and you will be able to choose your walk with a single click - using a WhatsApp Poll. All members of this group are Ramblers members.
- Out and About - this is for walk photos, social messages, e.g. to recommend a film, etc. to the group.
- BHM Non-Members - While you are having your three free walks you will be in this group. You will receive details of each week's walks.
If your message is for just one or two people please message them direct as the above groups are large.
Please text David if you want to join the WhatsApp groups, after your first walk. Please include your forename, surname, and whether or not you are a Ramblers member.
Please check your WhatsApp profile to ensure you have set up both a forename and surname, so we can identify you (there are lots of, e.g. David's, so a surname is helpful).
Photos taken on the walk may end up on this site or social media. If you do not want this please exclude yourself from photos.
The Group Leader is David who you can text on 07747 863 513.
- Physical Exercise: Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight. It's suitable for people of all fitness levels.
- Mental Well-Being: Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity can reduce stress and anxiety. The peaceful and natural surroundings can have a calming effect on the mind.
- Improved Mood: Walking releases endorphins, which can boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The combination of fresh air and physical activity is often a mood lifter.
- Enhanced Creativity: Nature can stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Many people find that their thoughts flow more freely while rambling in a natural environment.
- Better Sleep: Regular walking in natural settings can help regulate sleep patterns and improve the quality of sleep. Exposure to natural light during the day can help set the body's internal clock.
- Reduced Cognitive Decline: Some research suggests that regular walking may contribute to cognitive health and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- Connection with Nature: Rambling allows you to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment. It can also increase ecological awareness.
- Social Interaction: Joining walking clubs or groups of fellow ramblers can provide opportunities for social interaction, which contributes to a sense of community and support.
- Stress Reduction: Being in natural settings often promotes relaxation and helps reduce the daily stressors of urban life.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Rambling encourages mindfulness, as it involves being present in the moment and fully experiencing the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.
- Weight Management: Regular walking can help with weight control and management, especially when combined with a balanced diet.
- Stronger Immune System: Some research suggests that spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity can strengthen the immune system.
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These benefits can vary from person to person, but the overall positive impact of rambling or walking in natural environments is well-documented. It provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while improving both physical and mental health.