Like most mums, I’m on a bit of a fitness/losing weight kick, but it’s hard to fit in much exercise around the school run and looking after my toddler. One thing I can do, easily and for free, is walk. I’ve always walked on my own; I think it’s a good way to get to know the local area and it’s a good way to get my youngest to sleep.

East Sussex County Council has just launched a new website with lots of walks listed. These look good, with clear instructions and even an app to download to your phone to help make sure you don’t get lost. I haven’t tried any out yet, but there’s a couple that I definitely want to have a go at, and now my youngest is walking I can see the end of trying to manhandle a buggy over rough ground, albeit several years in the future.

Hannah Collins walks in East Sussex

Hannah Collins walks in East Sussex

There is also a list of all the Healthy Walks that are run across the county. They’re all free and a great way to meet people and make new friends. I joined a group in Robertsbridge last year, and I’ve been going out walking most weeks with them. I’ve made friends and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. We usually walk for about an hour, depending on how many stops we make to get toddlers in or out of buggies, and when we’re finished we have a drink and a chat in The George pub. I didn’t realise there were so many hills in Robertsbridge until I started walking there!

My favourite walk goes down Redlands Lane. On a sunny day, it’s lovely to walk along the lane and feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside. When the hops are being harvested you can really smell them, and in the summer it’s lovely to walk among the vineyards in the sunshine. You can loop around and complete a circular walk, but over the winter we will do one half to avoid the muddy field with our buggies. The combination of adult company and exercise means that Tuesdays are probably my favourite day of the week, and I can enjoy a hot chocolate knowing that I’ve definitely burnt off some calories!