A campaign is under way to spotlight walking, wheeling and cycling routes from stations.
The ‘Tracks & Trails’ initiative highlights scenic rail routes that connect with walking trails. The aim is to encourage sustainable travel and outdoor adventure.
The promotion by Scenic Rail Britain coincides with a special week from train operator Govia Thameslink Railway focusing on staff increasing their weekly step count as part of its fundraising partnership with mental health charity Mind.
Marshlink line officer Paul Bromley joined a wellbeing walk organised by Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to highlight the transport connections and the connections to the outdoors.
He took Southern’s Marshlink train which runs between Eastbourne and Ashford International with hourly stopping services at Rye station then the Stagecoach 313 bus for the eight-minute journey to the reserve.
The nature reserve holds wellbeing walks every Wednesday with participants meeting outside the toilet block at the end of Harbour Road at 9.45am.
There are two walks: a shorter walk of about 3 miles lasting about 1 ¾ hours and a longer walk of just over 4 miles which takes 2 hours. They both finish at the café at the reserve’s Discovery Centre.
The reserve provides two volunteer walk leaders for each group. It also gives binoculars to anyone who wishes to observe the wildlife on the reserve.
Volunteer walk leader Mike Camier explained the importance of the wellbeing walks.
He said: “The benefits of the wellbeing walk are the social aspect of it and introducing others to the benefits of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with the birds, the flowers and the landscape. It’s all about getting out and about and experiencing the outdoors.”
Wellbeing walk participant Nicola Buxton said she had been attending the walks for several weeks.
She commented: “I really enjoy having walks with a group of people and you get to meet all different sorts of people and different backgrounds. I really love the sense of connection and community with others and enjoying nature at its best.”
:: Relevant links:
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve wellbeing walks
https://rye.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/discovery-centre/events/wednesday-walks
Southern trains/Rye station
https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/station-information/RYE/rye-sussex
Stagecoach 313 bus timetable
GTR’s JustGiving fundraising page for Mind
https://www.justgiving.com/page/gtrmindthegap
