One of the many things I love about the UK is that going for a walk seems so natural and not a "have to do" activity. Whether it's walking to the shops for a loaf or rambling through the countryside, it's just more enjoyable and rewarding. You're very lucky Whofan to have the gorgeous scenery where you are
Here, the only walking I do is around the block with the dog. If I wanted to nip to the shops it would involve a minimum of 3 miles, busy traffic and no pavements. . .in fact I have done it in the past just for something to do and a few people stopped to ask if I was okay and needed a lift ! Walking here, most folk think your car has broken down as it's just not the norm to see anyone on foot.

I've also found when I've been on my hols in England that because of all the walking, I lose weight despite eating loads of chips and chocolate

Oohh I can't wait until I'm living there too

You've really hit the nail on the head there! I used to walk everywhere in the UK and, like you said, never even gave it a second thought. I used to go for a run or cycle down to the pier most mornings and as for shopping? Just used to sling my backpack on and walk along the seafront into town to get what I needed or take a stroll around the market. I used to stroll down to pick up my fresh fish, newspaper or fresh bread most days too - as you said just totally natural!

Here the sun shines every day but it's too hot and humid to walk anywhere unless you get up at the crack of dawn, I don't enjoy walking here due to that and also having to watch out for bloody snakes as well!

When I was at home I ate whatever I wanted and I was always around a British size 10 now I'm pushing a size 14 and it makes me so miserable! I'm hoping the weight will come off once I'm home again and back into my normal routine!!!

Hope you get back soon, I've got 29 days to go now - tick tock tick tock!!!

I know how you feel.. I see all these walkers and cyclists going up the hill like there's nothing too it and there I am struggling to take one foot at a time.. One of these days I am going to do a Rocky impersonation and get to the top of the hill without being out of breath. Luckily for now I don't walk with anyone because I can't walk, talk and remember to breathe at the same time.

I found that too living in the US. People would stare at me as though the sight of someone walking was just too weird.. Where I was in AZ having a car is a necessity because there was no local bus service so you either have to drive yourself or walk and in the AZ heat that isn't advisable. It wouldn't have been the first time I walked in the door looking like a cooked lobster, sweating profusely and feeling like I was about to have a cardiac arrest..

But here it's so normal and I see people out walking their dogs every day. If I want to go to the bigger shops in Greenfield it's either catch the bus, or else walk the 2 miles along the canal, which is such a beautiful walk I like doing that as often as I can. There are often places where there are no pavements, but you just stand to one side to let the odd car go past and they always wave their thanks at you as you go past. It's wonderful !

I agree too.. I just sling my backpack on and off I go... I gained so much weight in AZ that now I'm lucky if I can get into a UK size 20 I barely ate because it was too hot to eat and yet I couldn't lose weight to save my life.. I've done so much more walking since I've been back and I love every second of it. I think that once the weather picks up a bit where it's not raining every day I'll get out even more, although the rain hasn't even stopped me.. I'd be ecstatic to be a UK size 14 lol

If I am not out the door by 7am (and we are not even May yet) and walking the dog, it is no longer possible to do so for the rest of the day. Even then, after a hours walk I am drenched in sweat. In the summer, I need to be out there by 6am. I love it on those rare days when it's overcast and there is maybe less humidity.

I did chuckle at that last bit but I seem to think you are quite tall?? I'm tiny, barely 5ft 1" in my bare feet so size 14 is big for me. I've never been a skinny minnie and I've always been happy with my curves but now I feel flabby, unfit and tired all the time - it's so yuk! I can't get into hardly any of my clothes either lol!

I know what you mean about eating, I don't eat much but I'm still chunky as! I truly think it all comes down to exercise at the end of the day. I'm sure the weight will fall off you and your fitness will improve with all that walking you are doing also I believe being happy helps too! I'm looking forward to my walks - the seafront, Alexandra Park and the East and West Hills near my house - hanging out for some nice walks but for now I'll just have to enjoy your lovely videos!!!

Nope I'm a shorty too...only 5ft 5 So now I'm going to have to go buy some 'interview' clothes and make myself look smart because I've got nothing decent that fits anymore. I brought my one good pair of 'skinny' jeans which I can't get into but I'm holding onto them so that when they FIT, then I know I've lost weight.

Yes it's the humidity that kills me along with the heat and I'm just so knackered all the time! I can't even blame my shift work as it's never affected me like this before even when I used to drive an hour and half to work, do a 12 hour shift then drive home again! I've just got no energy despite all my best efforts re rest, good food and vitamins - I need a cooler climate and some nice long walks lol!

That's tall to me lol!!! There is a lady on here, Quoll, who lost three stone once she moved back from Oz to the UK and she does a lot of walking so hang onto those skinny jeans, you'll be back in them before you know it!

I'm just back from the one hour drench. Yuck. Time for a nice cuppa. Yes, it will be nice to walk in the cooler weather, heck even in the rain

Oh, and I played the lottery for the first time yesterday and I won $25 (with a $5 investment). I could get used to this. Just have to be careful not to fritter away my going back home fund

Just got back from another hour long walk up hill and down dale through fields filled with sheep. I had a convoy of lambs following me because they though I had food lol. I can already feel a difference in my legs and the 'fat' jeans I wear now lol. The legs are baggy so I must be heading in the right direction will need to get a set of scales lol. It's overcast and cold but perfect for walking. Rosy cheeks and its not from the heat for a change Time for a cuppa and put a load of washing on lol

Congrats on the lottery win love every little bit helps right? Just allocate so much per week to buy lottery tickets and you'll be fine

Walking in cooler weather and yes, even the rain is so invigorating. I love walking so much more now

Hot and stormy here all week - bah!!! Well done on the lottery win, I bought one for fun this week and forgot about it until now - will go check tomorrow! If I won a huge amount I'd buy a massive place in the UK, convert it to nice flats and rent them out at a reasonable price to returning expats! I seriously think there's a gap in the market there just waiting to be filled!!!

Whofan, re the weight thang. Have you had your thyroid checked? It is a blood test and low levels can result in weight gain. It's the drum I bang with everybody since I found out mine was hardly functioning. Apparently "women of a certain age" are prone to it! I joined a gym about six weeks ago and have only managed to gain weight! Pathetic!
Must admit I am not quite on a regime of healthy walks, but have done some hefty gardening. More power to you! I know what you mean about walking alone as you can't walk and talk at the same time, me too!