Valentines Day is fast approaching and many people will be heading to the countryside to stay in a nice pub for a romantic weekend away, and perhaps do some walking as well (I can recommend some excellent books called 'Walking Weekends'!)

I have recently been reading about the many health benefits of walking and it got me thinking. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, obesity, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, regular exercise (like hill-walking) also has many social, spiritual and psychological benefits

Regular walking may help depression, anxiety and stress as well as improve self esteem and confidence. It makes you feel good. This is because exercise, especially 'green exercise' in the coutryside, releases endorphins into your bloodstream which gives you that 'happy buzz'. Walking in the Great Outdoors also gives you an unrivalled sense of space and freedom, it allows time for you to appraise your place in the natural world and it is also a very sociable activity.

Is walking a new type of aphrodisiac?

There's only one way to find out... Book yourself into a lovely pub in the Dales for a weekend away and then set out on Saturday morning to do a great walk, and leave the rest to the endorphins!