Eastlife Spring 2021

Essex
Try stand up paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP)
is a whole-body workout that’s
becoming increasingly popular in
the East of England. Learn the basics
or rent equipment at Mersea Island
Watersports. Once you’ve built up your
confidence (and balance), Essex has a
surprising number of pretty waterways
to explore.
The channels and creeks around
Mersea Island are an obvious first
choice, but after that you could glide
down the River Stour to Flatford Mill, or
paddle past bird- and wildlife-filled Two
Tree Island. You could even challenge
yourself with SUP yoga classes at
WetnDry Boardsports, Rayleigh.
Hit the beaches
With more than 350 miles of shoreline
on offer, it’s no surprise that Essex is
home to some excellent beaches, and
they’re not just good for long walks.
Switch up your exercise routine with
a run along the waterline. Running on
sand decreases the impact on your
joints, which is always a bonus. You
could explore places like Walton-onthe-Naze,
where WWII remnants dot
the shore. Pop into the art gallery on
Martello Beach. Try jogging past the
candy-coloured bathing huts on West
Mersea Beach too.
Suffolk
Follow the UFO trail
Do you believe in aliens? Get out and
about by following this trail through
Rendlesham Forest to learn more about
the alleged sightings which took place
here in 1980. Little ones (and not-quiteso-little
ones) will also love the forest’s
giant play area, kitted out with gear
including an obstacle course, zip line
and tube slide.
Go kitesurfing
If the thought of plunging into icy ocean
fills you with excitement rather than
dread, head to the Suffolk coast’s prime
surfing locations to catch a wave or two.
You’ll soon warm up wearing a wetsuit!
Lowestoft has plenty of gear rental
shops where you can kit yourself out,
plus a smooth sandy beach in case of
any mishaps like crashing into the shore.
Stay the night to catch a glimpse of the
UK’s earliest sunrise.
Hertfordshire
Get sweaty in an outdoor gym
Are you missing gym workouts? You
could find a replacement in your
local park. In Hertfordshire, you’ll spot
outdoor gym equipment in Abbots
Langley, Borehamwood, Elstree,
Harpenden, Hitchin, Potters Bar, St
Albans, Stevenage and Watford.
While this doesn’t necessarily cover
everything (weightlifters are likely to
be disappointed), it can add a touch of
variety to your workout routine. It comes
with the bonus of fresh air and vitamin D.
Explore on foot
Hertfordshire is home to several scenic
running trails, like the Grand Union
Canal’s serene towpath. Take a look at
a map and try to spot likely contenders
– you might find a new favourite route
right on your doorstep.
If running isn’t quite your style, go
rambling through the county’s
numerous heritage trails. You could
take in Roman walls and an impressive
cathedral in St Albans, stroll past listed
buildings in pretty Wheathampstead, or
take in scenic views from the Chiltern
Hills.
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