The Walking Cure will inspire you to try walking in new environments. 

It covers the latest neuroscience on the benefits of walking and how the environment in which we walk affects our senses, emotions, hormones and more. 

Streets divides her book into 20 chapters on easy-to-find landscapes, both urban and rural, from mountains to meadows, disused railway lines, rivers, coastal cliffs and city parks. She encourages you to select a walk that fits your mood and to absorb yourself in the place as you meander along. She points to mounting evidence of the unique benefits of walking in sea air, at heights, through ancient forests and near water sources. 

While New Zealand and Australia get a mention, The Walking Cure largely focuses on British and European settings, but despite this, it is a good resource for Kiwi walkers, particularly Walk1200 participants.

– Philippa Bascand, Wilderness subscriber and Walk1200 participant