Health by the Water (No Gym Membership Required)

Let’s face it: we all know we should take more walks, but it’s easy to put it off. Too busy. Too tired. Too rainy. (Okay, fair enough on that last one.)
But with summer creeping in and longer evenings ahead, there’s no better time to get moving, and the canal path in Resolven is honestly one of the best places to do it.
A 30-minute walk = 3,000 steps
Did you know just half an hour of walking can knock out around 3,000 steps? Do that regularly, and you’re well on your way to the NHS-recommended 10,000 steps a day.
And walking isn’t just about burning calories. It boosts your mood, helps with sleep, lowers anxiety, and gives your brain a break from all that doom-scrolling.
So, if you’ve been stuck inside staring at a screen all day, this is your sign to step out and breathe.
Not into walking? No pressure.
Fishing, Sitting, Breathing Yes, That Counts Too
You can still show your body some love just by being outdoors. Fishing, people-watching, sketching, or just sitting by the water with a snack (and hopefully no seagulls in sight) — it all helps reduce stress and reconnect you with, well, life.
Spending time near water has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost overall happiness. Science says so. And so do the people who’ve told us, “I didn’t realise how much I needed this until I came down here.”
PSA: Don’t Forget the Basics
- Bring a bottle (hydration is key, especially in summer).
- Chuck on sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy (yes, even in Wales).
- And wear comfy shoes, this isn’t a catwalk.
- Bonus points if you bring a friend, a dog, or a good playlist.
We Care About You, Not Just the Canal
So, take that walk. Not for us, not for a step count, but for you.