Sharing the Positives - Beautiful Places 5 minutes from home

During lockdown many of us have been finding lots of hidden gems and a new appreciation of outdoor spaces in our own communities. Take a minute to see some of the beautiful and fascinating places that we have been visiting right on our doorsteps!

Jack – Llandudno

This was taken after a family walk around the Orme. Certainly, less people around in what is normally a busy tourist spot - great time to enjoy the views with some peace and quiet. 

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Matt- Leicestershire

Quarantine has felt very long and at times boring for myself. However, due to the rules on exercising during the lockdown, I have found some hidden gems very close to home that I'd most likely of never found!

I have been down in South Leicestershire at my mum's house for the last 5 weeks and have been cycling most days to stay active. I recently found a trail along the canal around 1km from my house that leads all the way into Leicester city centre, past the King Power football stadium, and onwards to the De Montfort University campus. The ride begins in the countryside and weaves through villages, suburbs, and into the heart of Leicester. The canal path gets very tight during some of the ride so it is difficult to cycle at times and I have suffered two punctures over the last few weeks from this route. However, this hasn't stopped me as it is such a beautiful ride. The full ride is a 50km round trip and the wildlife was out in full force. Ducks, swans, cows, sheep and horses. You name it, it's probably going to make an appearance along the ride! So although I am missing the hustle and bustle of Manchester and city centre life, this quarantine period has allowed me to experience a few fun and different things and I will be continuing cycling as a hobby after this is all over too!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Rachel – Preston

I took a few pics on my daily jogs.

The green ones are of Moor Park, about 10 mins away from my parents and in my 33 years, I have never been for a jog here. There was a sprinkling of people but it was so lovely and peaceful - very strange as it's near the centre of Preston. Nice and quiet 🙂

The football ground isn't a new place I've discovered (obvs) but is somewhere I miss - you don't have to include this one haha. Again, super quiet and no signs of life since the football season was postponed earlier this year. 

I took a route passed Deepdale, which isn't a newly-discovered place but is somewhere I miss in lockdown. Since the football season was postponed earlier in the year, the whole place has been super quiet. This will be one of the first places I go once things are back to 'normal', and, in my opinion, looks lovely in the sunshine.'

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Colin – Reddish Vale Country Park

Reddish Vale Country Park is literally a stones throw from Stockport Town Centre with an access point near the Tesco Superstore at the large M60 Roundabout. Upon entering you are transformed into a beautiful country setting, complete with river, overhanging trees and trail that leads for a few miles up to Reddish Vale Farm. With stops on the way for picnics, one day, it would be perfect for a family bike ride or walk or more adventurous mountain biking trail. A very relaxing escape from Stockpot and easily accessible from the whole of South & East Manchester. 

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Beth – Manchester City Centre

This picture was taken quite literally 5 minutes from my home! This is the communal area to my flat that before now I've never paid much attention to, rather it has been a walkway from my home to the outside world. When the lockdown started and the nice weather kicked in, I soon realised that my not-so south facing balcony meant that we were not graced with this glorious sun. Jealous of friends posting pictures basking in the sun, I used my creativity and off I went down the stairs with my camping chair and a good book. Anyone looking out of their window would have thought I was a mad woman as I moved around the small-ish courtyard with the sun. Oh well... It is the little things! (However, do not get me wrong, I'm still thankful for the balcony nevertheless!)

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Emma – Wilmslow

Having lived in Wilmslow for almost 2 years, admittedly, the only walking I’d been doing had been to and from the local pubs and bars. However, our allocated outdoor exercise time has inspired us to get out there and learn more about where we live. Newgate and Lindow is just down the road from us, and there are beautiful woodlands, lake and a nature reserve. Each time we go we see something different; a bird of prey, or a beautiful tree or feature that just makes you so grateful to be outdoors and so close to nature. I’ve also been made aware that Lindow Moss is where Bog Man was found..... or how he’s more commonly known as Pete Marsh (he was found in a peat bog/marsh) who is over 2000 years old and discovered fairly preserved. Needless to say, when this is all over, I’m sure that we’ll be walking more often and discovering what else is in our doorstep!

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Melanie – Bramhall

I am a little bit scared about sharing my little hidden gem as I have been going here for a year now with my doggie Ralph and we often have the place to ourselves. However, since lockdown began, we have seen many new faces stumble upon this truly hidden beauty spot. A stone’s throw from Bramhall park, this walk along the Ladybrook River leads you to a nature reserve that homes many rare and protected species of animals and plants. The perfect place for a jog, a bike ride or to take a nice stroll and admire the nature in all its beauty. If you are lucky you might spot a long legged Heron that calls this idyllic part of Cheshire it’s home.

Thanks to everyone who shares their spots. If you have any you would like to share, get in touch! 

We are loving sharing the positives, if you have your own positive news you would like to share email [email protected]. We would love to share your story. 

To read our other positive news, click here!