If your ideal weekend involves movement and mindfulness, this one’s worth setting an early alarm for.
Tucked away in the rolling countryside at Buckinghamshire’s Peterley Manor Farm, Run Club x Slohaus Wild Spa brings a bi-weekly mix of sociable running and restorative outdoor wellness.
The experience takes place on selected Saturdays, starting with a relaxed 5–8km group run through the Chilterns countryside, followed by a recovery session designed to help you properly reset.
Leaders set an inclusive, steady pace that keeps the runs accessible for regular runners and newcomers alike, with a clear focus on community over competition.
Afterwards, you head back to the wild spa for wood-fired sauna sessions and cold-water immersion – a simple but effective contrast therapy that helps you recharge.
Each session runs from 8am to 10am.
Tickets cost £20 per person, with each experience lasting around two hours.
For more information or to book, visit Slohaus Wild Spa’s website.
From sun-ripened strawberries to pumpkin-filled autumn fields, these pick-your-own farms near London offer the ultimate seasonal day out – with plenty of fresh air, flavour, and countryside charm.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about picking your own produce straight from the source. Whether it’s a punnet of perfectly ripe strawberries, a bunch of vibrant wildflowers, or a wheelbarrow-worthy pumpkin in autumn.
And fortunately, you don’t have to travel far from the capital to find some of the UK’s best pick-your-own (PYO) experiences. Across Surrey, Oxfordshire and beyond, farms are opening their gates each season to welcome visitors into their fields.
So whether you’re planning a wholesome weekend activity, entertaining little ones, or simply chasing the taste of fruit at its freshest, these PYO farms deliver a seasonal experience that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious.
If you’re after a pick-your-own experience that really delivers, Garsons Farm more than earns its award-winning reputation. Crowned ‘Pick Your Own of the Year’ at the 2025 Farm Retail Association Awards, it’s a go-to for top-quality produce and beautifully kept fields.
Spanning an impressive 155 acres, and farmed by the same Thompson family since 1871, it’s one of the UK’s largest PYO sites. Expect row upon row of vibrant crops – from juicy strawberries to colourful flowers – with around 30 varieties to choose from across the season. PYO typically kicks off in late spring, just in time for those first sweet harvests of the year.
Steeped in history (it even gets a mention in the Domesday Book!), Crockford Bridge Farm blends heritage with a seriously good seasonal offering. Set across 80 acres of Surrey green belt, this family-run spot is a firm favourite for good reason.
There’s always something new to pick from June through to December – think sun-warmed strawberries and raspberries in summer, followed by pumpkin patches and winter squashes as the seasons turn. And whatever you do, don’t leave without stopping by its ice cream parlour – the perfect end to a day in the fields.
A staple of Surrey’s food scene is Secretts. Just outside Godalming, this award-winning farm is known for its lively events, beautifully maintained fields, and seriously fresh, seasonal food.
Depending on the time of year, you can wander through fields picking everything from asparagus and rhubarb to pumpkins – all harvested just metres from where you stand. Afterwards, the farm shop is a must-visit – especially the cheese counter, which boasts more than 300 varieties (yes, really).
Looking to turn your fruit picking into a full day out? Priory Farm Estate has you covered.
Alongside seasonal PYO fields, you’ll find woodland trails, nature-inspired play areas, and plenty of space to roam. Kids can run wild, and adults can slow down – ideally with a basket full of fresh produce in hand.
Rectory Farm has been feeding Oxfordshire (and beyond) for generations – and its PYO offering is just as impressive as you’d expect.
With 45 acres dedicated to pick-your-own crops – plus a further 60 acres of asparagus fields nearby – there’s plenty to explore. From April through to October, the fields come alive with more than 30 varieties, from spring asparagus and strawberries to late-summer sunflowers and autumn pumpkins (with thousands planted each year).
Tucked away in the Chilterns, Peterley Manor Farm feels like a proper countryside escape. Family-run and full of charm, it offers a relaxed, scenic setting for a spot of seasonal picking.
Depending on when you visit, you might find yourself gathering plums, strawberries, or redcurrants in the sunshine – or wandering through fields of sunflowers and pumpkins later in the year. Come Christmas, it transforms again, with rows of beautifully grown trees ready to take home.
If variety is what you’re after, Copas Farms – operating as The Fruit Fields – is hard to beat. With multiple sites and a well-planned growing calendar, it offers a steady stream of crops throughout the seasons.
From the first strawberries and cherries of early summer to raspberries, apples, sweetcorn and more, there’s always something worth picking. It’s a reliably good choice for those who like their PYO trips easy, well-organised, and packed with flavour.
A much-loved local spot just outside Southampton, Pickwell Farm has been welcoming visitors since 1985.
The picking calendar is packed with variety, from early rhubarb and strawberries to late-summer sweetcorn and autumn pumpkins. In between, expect everything from raspberries and blackberries to courgettes and beans – perfect for filling your basket (and your kitchen) with fresh, seasonal produce.
For a more traditional, no-frills PYO experience, Goodall’s Strawberry Farm is a south coast classic.
Best known for its beautifully grown strawberries, this is the place to come on a sunny day when only the freshest, sweetest fruit will do. Simple and seasonal!
Friendly, relaxed, and easy to visit, Lotmead PYO is a great all-rounder for families and casual pickers.
Fields are well-kept and full of variety, with strawberries and raspberries in summer giving way to pumpkins as autumn rolls in. Whether you’re planning a wholesome day out or just popping by for a punnet or two, it’s a lovely spot to soak up the seasons.
The National Joint Registry (NJR) has awarded Spire Thames Valley Hospital with Gold Level status after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.
Part of the leading independent healthcare group Spire Healthcare, Spire Thames Valley Hospital has earned Gold Level status from the National Joint Registry (NJR) through its Quality Data Provider programme.
The National Joint Registry collects and monitors high-quality orthopaedic data on hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement procedures.
This information helps improve patient safety, raise standards of care and deliver better outcomes in joint replacement surgery. It also provides valuable feedback to orthopaedic clinicians and implant manufacturers.
The NJR introduced the Quality Data Provider certificate scheme to help hospitals achieve and maintain high standards in patient safety and data reporting.
The programme recognises hospitals that meet the registry’s strict targets for data completeness, accuracy and quality.
Each year, the NJR carries out a Data Quality Audit. It compares the number of joint replacement procedures hospitals submit to the registry with those recorded in their local Patient Administration System (PAS).
This process helps ensure the registry receives the most complete and accurate data possible from hospitals performing joint replacement surgery, including Spire Thames Valley Hospital.
Sue Holliday, Hospital Director at Spire Thames Valley Hospital, said: “Improving patient safety is of the utmost importance and something all staff at Spire Thames Valley Hospital take very seriously.
“We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work to improve clinical outcomes for joint replacement patients, and we are delighted to be recognised as an NJR Quality Data Provider.”
Millie Bridger’s life changed beyond recognition six years ago, here she shares her moving and inspirational story.
Six years ago I was living my dream, training as a professional dancer in London; then, my health changed and took everything.
I was later diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PoTS, gastroparesis, intestinal dysfunction and many more complex conditions that have brought more than 15 surgeries, two battles with sepsis, and many long hospital stays — including seven Christmases and New Years spent in hospital.
I live with multiple feeding tubes and am connected to a medical pump for 22 hours a day. A quiet reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.
Rather than giving up, I decided to use what I’d been through to help others. I founded milliebridger.com which began as a small personal blog and has grown into a space where people living with chronic illness or disability can feel less alone, understood, and supported.
Through help guides, support groups, advocacy work and an online support community called ‘Finding Happiness, Together’, my goal is to help others rediscover confidence and purpose and to remind them that life can still hold meaning and connection, even when it looks completely different to what they imagined.
I’ve learned that when your world stops, the world around you keeps turning. You don’t get a choice but to keep going. When I lost my health and the identity I’d built as a dancer, I had to rebuild myself from the ground up.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped fighting to be the person I was and started embracing the person I’ve become. I’m still Millie, but now I live slower, smile wider, and find beauty in places I never used to look.
Illness gave me a perspective I never would have found otherwise. I’ve learned that joy can exist alongside pain, that meaning can survive loss, and that strength is often quiet. I’ve found light in hospital rooms, hope through community, and purpose in helping others find a way through their own darkness.
I also volunteer with Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, collaborate with charities and brands on accessibility and inclusion projects, and visit local schools and hospices with my therapy dog, Ralph.
Earlier this year, I joined Champions Speakers Agency to continue raising awareness through public speaking, sharing messages of hope and resilience.
RHS Healer’s Hollow explores the use of plants as medicine in a feature garden at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Discover RHS Healer’s Hollow: Celebrating Plant Folklore and Healing
Inspired by centuries of plant stories and traditional herbal medicine, RHS Healer’s Hollow invites visitors to reconnect with nature. This garden shows how plants have helped people’s health and wellbeing for many years. Moreover, it highlights the natural healing power of plants and old wisdom.
Meet the Creators of RHS Healer’s Hollow
Award-winning designers Emily Grayshaw and Jude Yeo from Inspired Earth Design in Godalming created this garden. After winning two gold medals and a Best in Show award at earlier RHS events, the RHS asked them to design this special garden. Their work focuses on the strong bond between people and plants, showing how nature can heal us.
Healing Stories Told Through Garden Design
The garden centres on Gaia, a wise healer who lives off the grid in a handmade shepherd’s hut. Through Gaia’s story, visitors learn about both old and new ways of using plants for health. For example, the garden is a calm space filled with plants known for their healing and traditional uses. It encourages everyone to explore natural remedies that have helped people for centuries.
A Closer Look at the Garden’s Features
Emily and Jude worked with local artists to create many garden features. These include botanical artwork, natural materials, and the handmade shepherd’s hut. Each element serves a purpose and tells part of the garden’s story. Additionally, the designers consulted a historical herbologist and a medicinal horticulture lecturer. Their expertise helped ensure the garden’s authenticity and educational value.
Bringing Healing to the Community
After the festival ends, parts of RHS Healer’s Hollow will move to Farncombe Community Garden near Godalming. This space, supported by local doctors, promotes social prescribing. It encourages patients and community members to engage with nature for better physical and mental health. In fact, their goal is to foster “growing community wellbeing” through gardens and green spaces.
Janey Wall praises Wild Amersham’s efforts at Amersham Hospital, including orchids!
Orchids are quietly blooming in the grounds of Amersham Hospital. They’ve sprung up on what was, until two years ago, tended lawn.
Now, thanks to Wild Amersham, the hospital is restoring native wildflower meadows on sloped areas. The move has triggered an explosion of species, some familiar, others arcane, many with fascinating folkloric associations. Bee orchids are the star attraction, named after their stunning bee-like velvety pattern, designed to lure in males to try to mate and pollinate the flower. Inches away: a pyramidal orchid. How did they get there, you may ask. As volunteer Marieke Bosman explained on a wildflower walk, the orchids’ seeds are tiny and can be carried far by wind. No human hand was involved; the orchids self-seeded.
The Chilterns’ chalky ground is also key. Described as the “rainforest of Europe”, lowland chalk grassland – if left untouched – is one of the continent’s most diverse plant communities, hosting up to 40 species per square metre. A botanist last year counted 140 species across the new patches of wildflower meadow at Amersham Hospital.
The most prolific species this year is the oxeye daisy, which is flourishing waist-high on a slope near the hospital’s new heat pump. Other species include the delicate harebell, clover and aromatic wild strawberries. There’s the curiously named ribwort plantain (not related to bananas), ploughman’s spikenard and cut-leaved cranesbill.
Celebrant Fiona Mac advises how to work through grief ahead of the next Abingdon Compassionate Café on 20th June
Balancing the sometimes-overwhelming feeling of grief with our own personal wellbeing can be a challenge. Acknowledging and allowing for the grieving process, along with prioritising your own self-care whilst seeking support if required, can be complex.
Here are some tips I have picked up over the years of working with families living with grief, and what they have shared with me that may help. Recognising that you grieve in response to a loss.
“Grief is a natural response to loss, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with it. One family member said: “Grief is a fickle thing, it hits you in a way you aren’t prepared for. “I have always been a confident person, so the shift in my mental health took me by complete surprise” ” (quote from MIND)
Acknowledge your feelings:
It can help to recognise and name the emotions you’re experiencing, whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion. Some other words people have used to name their feelings, numb, stuck, confused, deeply sad, relief (at your loved one no longer in pain or suffering, closely followed by guilt), at a loss, feeling withdrawn.
Name them and then acknowledge them. Allow them to be what they need to be.
If it helps, take time out to acknowledge and maybe celebrate your loved one’s special days like birthdays, wedding anniversaries. Use these times to look back at photos that remind you of them and talk about them with your family and friends.
We all need a hand sometimes:
Talk to trusted friends, family members, charity helplines or a therapist about your grief and how it is affecting everyday life.
Sometimes being alongside others who are experiencing similar losses can provide comfort and support, so look out for local support groups.
“Grief is not a race.”
How you feel in yourself, your physical wellbeing:
Grief can disrupt your regular sleep patterns, so take time to think about creating a beneficial sleep routine. Come off social media a good two hours before going to bed. Maybe read, have a bubble bath, dim the lights and listen to calming music. Or try a sleep story to help fall asleep.
Grief can also affect your appetite in many ways. Of course, treats are still OK.
On the other hand, it’s really important to nourish your body with regular meals of nutritious fresh foods.
A daily dose of fresh air can improve how you’re feeling, in all weathers. If you can build in some regular daily physical activity, it can help manage any stress and improve moods.
Gardening, joining a green gym (local groups that provide gardening opportunities in small groups), and tending a local garden for a neighbour or local hospice or care home.
Think of joining in on a regular, organised local walk, jog or run. Dancing, swimming, cycling or other activities that get you moving. Perhaps take up a hobby that you used to enjoy, or look for activities that bring you joy.
Importantly, be gentle with yourself.
Grief is not a race and there is no one-size-fits-all all. Energy levels will go up and down, so pace yourself and be careful of not being driven to do things you feel you should do! Take the time pressure off everything and stick to doing “must-dos”.
Lastly, remember, you are not alone. Listed below are some organisations that can offer support, space to chat and specific bereavement support.
Fiona Mac is an award-winning professional civil celebrant, based in Abingdon. She’s a Listening Samaritan for 30+ years and the founder of the Abingdon Compassionate Café. They meet regularly, offering cake, kindness and compassion in the beautiful surroundings of St Ethelwolds House in Abingdon.
Abingdon Compassionate Café
The Abingdon Compassionate Café will be held on 20th June 2025. Then running monthly on the 1st Saturday of each month. Between 10am – 12pm and then 2pm – 4pm from Saturday 6th September 2025. Visit Fiona’s website to keep updated.
Following last year’s successful pilot programme, The FA’s ‘The Greater Game’ is being rolled out nationwide.
The FA’s announcement of ‘The Greater Game’ campaign is a commendable initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of 12-16 year-olds across the UK. By partnering with organizations like Nuffield Health and M&S Food, they’re addressing crucial aspects of physical and mental health.
The focus on grassroots programs is especially promising, as it allows for widespread participation and engagement. The positive impact observed during the pilot phase underscores the potential for significant change on a national scale.
Addressing the concerning statistics regarding young people’s attitudes toward exercise, diet, and sleep is vital. The introduction of initiatives like ‘DROPS’ and featuring well-known football stars adds excitement and relatability, making it more likely for young people to get involved.
Given the staggering number of youth experiencing mental health issues, promoting physical activity as a means of improving mental wellbeing is crucial. Providing practical tips and techniques across various health elements is a comprehensive approach to supporting healthier choices.
The statistics concerning sleep and diet habits among young people highlight the urgency of such campaigns. Encouraging adequate sleep and nutritious eating habits is essential for their overall development and wellbeing.
Overall, ‘The Greater Game’ campaign has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering positive habits that can last a lifetime.
The Greater Game ambassador and former England international, Jill Scott, said: “I’m a huge believer in the importance of being active, not just through football, but throughout your everyday life. What’s important about The FA’s Greater Game campaign is that it educates young people on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, whilst providing them with the tips and tools to go out and put that into practice. I’m looking forward to seeing grassroots clubs across the country start to introduce The Greater Game programme, allowing us to make a real difference. I also can’t wait to have a go at playing DROPS myself!”
Cycling is environmentally friendly, good exercise, offers the chance to enjoy the countryside and doesn’t have to be expensive – so what are you waiting for – get on your bike and pedal!
From penny farthings to electric bikes, cycling has always been a popular pastime – good for you and good for the environment – so there can be no better time to get out on your bike than during Bike Week this month.
June 5th to 11th marks the 100th annual Bike Week celebrating a century of everyday cycling for everyone. The health and green benefits are well known. This year to further peddle those, Bike Week 100 is all about workplace cycling – whether that’s organising an event or simply cycling rather than driving to work.
Guildford based Cycling UK, the organisation behind Bike Week, has set a series of challenges at Bike Week 100 Challenges | Cycling UK – burn 100 calories by bike, save £100 by bike and cover 100 miles by bike. The choice is yours, but of course having some stunning scenery in which to cycle is always a bonus, fortunately in our part of the world we are spoilt for choice!
Follow in the footsteps or tyre tracks of Olympic cyclists and take to Box Hill, the scenic route through the Surrey Hills is a mixture of A and B roads and country tracks.
Picturesque Chinthurst Hill in Guildford is perfect for family outings, hop aboard your bikes and drink in the beauty of the woodland complete with its quirky folly. Why not stop off on the way and make a day of it?
The Green Flag award-winning site of Frensham Ponds has a cycling spot which is perfect for shorter outings so provides the ideal family jaunt into the countryside. Nearby Farnham Park is another spot suitable for families to take to their bikes and enjoy a trip in nature.
In the same part of the world, Alice Holt Forest is a wonderful opportunity for natural cycling. Travel through ancient mighty oaks as well as wildflower rich open spaces during your cycle. Trails are open to enjoy with your own bikes or they can be hired here. The three-mile-long Family Cycling Trail starts with the opportunity to enjoy some fabulous freewheeling on the downhill section.
Take in a medieval castle on your route as you cycle the loop around Guildford Castle and Chantry Wood. The 6.8km trail is well kept and while popular still offers the chance for some peace and quiet.
Chobham Place Woods, Blackwater Park and Virginia Water lake should also go on your cycling ‘must do’ list. Here you’ll be able to spot ancient monuments and a stunning ornamental cascade waterfall as well as a 100 foot totem pole, with 10 mystical totem characters.
Neighbouring Hampshire invites you to try Abbotstone Down, Alresford where the route will take you through rolling chalk hills and bluebell woods or how about making tracks through Chawton Park Wood to Bentworth village on the 10-mile trail easily accessible from Alton or Four Marks. Enjoy more of a challenge from Alice Holt Forest along bridleways and roads through Bordon to Oakhanger and for hardened cyclists there’s one of the hardest trails in the county to the north of Petersfield where you can embark on some challenging climbs through rewarding scenery – not for the faint-hearted.
Serious cyclists may want to put their foot on the pedal and take on the challenge of the Surrey Tour on September 30th at Cranleigh Showground. The short route (!) is a mere 88km with longer options of 120 and 160 on the table too. Whichever you choose you’ll cycle through amazing countryside and in addition to a medal at the end there’ll be a much-needed beer and how about a slice of well-deserved pizza to refuel afterwards.
Bikes, like anything else you treasure, require some TLC from time to time and that’s where organisations such as Bike Project Surrey come in. The charity which has a workshop at Guildford College and a second at Brooklands College will teach you how to look after and service your bike and gain skills necessary for its maintenance. Paid and volunteer mechanics will help you make the most of your bike to prolong its life and help protect the environment. They will service, fix and customise your bike using recycled or new parts where necessary to help keep it on the road or track.
One of the things that makes Bike Project Surrey so great is that not only will they help get your bike shipshape they are also giving opportunities to those who may have missed out on learning in the past. Many students go to them for work experience, as can NEETs who will have the chance to gain a recognised qualification.
If you’re after a new bike, they have refurbished ones for sale and if you’ve an unwanted one or one children have outgrown then why not donate it? To find out more about their work and how you can get involved visit bikeprojectsurrey.org/wp/
Cycling is not just about two wheels, Wheels for All offers all ability cycling through its fleet of adapted bikes, trikes, quads, recumbents and side by side helping to make cycling an all-inclusive activity. It embraces disabled people and those who may not otherwise be able to enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling. Wheels for All Woking sessions are based at the athletics track at Woking Sportsbox. To find out more and to get in touch go to wheelsforall.org.uk/locations/woking-wheels-for-all
Oxfordshire
Enjoy some of the finest history Oxfordshire has to offer on a ride from the city of Oxford to Blenheim Palace. The family friendly ride follows the National Cycle Route 5 through residential neighbourhoods as it heads out towards Woodstock on its journey of around eight miles.
If mountain biking is your thing then at just under seven kilometres, the trail at Bagley Wood near Abingdon is ideal for beginners and the family, taking around two hours.
Mystery lovers should hop on their bikes and follow the Agatha Christie cycling route which takes in Wallingford, Goring and Streatley and Cholsey on the 17 mile loop. Once you’ve developed a taste for cycling in this area how about trying a ride through Goring Gap along quiet lanes and with stunning views.
Fancy seeing some art on your bike ride from Upton to Didcot? In addition to some lovely countryside there are interesting art benches (perfect for a breather) along the three to four mile route. Join the art trail from Upton and follow the signs for Didcot down towards the train station and into town for a refreshment stop.
Serious cyclists may like to take part in Bike Oxford on June 25th, choose from three routes of 75, 50 and 26 miles all winding through the best scenery Oxford has to offer. This popular event raises funds for Maggie’s Oxford Cancer Care centre. To take part visit bikeoxford.co.uk
Bikes, like anything else you treasure, require some TLC from time to time and that’s where organisations such as Broken Spoke Bike Co-op in Oxford and Windrush Bike Project in West Oxfordshire come in.
The Broken Spoke is run by people who are passionate about cycling and aim to make people more proficient in cycle maintenance and riding. They offer a range of DIY workshops, mechanics courses, cycle training, Beryl’s night – a free monthly evening session for women and all trans and non-binary people – as well as repairs and sales. It depends on its volunteers and more help is always needed, to find out more and offer your services visit bsbcoop.org
In West Oxfordshire, the staff and volunteers at the Windrush Bike Project help people to make journeys by bike and learn about the mechanics of bikes. A community workshop teaches vulnerable children and adults to fix donated bikes through courses. They also deliver Bikeability cycle training in schools across the area, campaign for safe cycling routes and provide information about riding in and around West Oxfordshire.
Berkshire
The Kennet & Avon Canal is great for more adventurous family biking expeditions and all the locks en route provide the perfect start / stop points and with the trainline running alongside too you can do some great A-B bike rides starting at a railway station and returning by train if it all becomes too much or the Great British weather intervenes! Take in the picturesque canal through Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and Pewsey.
The Nature Discovery Centre, near Thatcham has a lovely bike ride loop around the lake, perfect for kids and with a café and two playgrounds it’s a fabulous day out.
Don’t be surprised if you suddenly encounter ponies grazing as you ride through Snelsmore Common. They’re a familiar sight around the routes to Donnington Castle if you venture far enough.
The Ridgeway is a journey through time taking in part of our heritage, experience wide open views and explore ancient treasures such as Neolithic long barrows and Bronze Age round barrows. At more than 80 miles long the Ridgeway is a route that will test your fitness levels. Mountain bikers can complete the stretch from Avebury to Goring in around two days.
For off-road cycling and 24km of trails suitable for all abilities, visit Swinley Forest which offers a choice of three trails – green, blue and red. Green is the perfect introduction to off road cycling, ideal for families and beginners. The blue trail offers a flowing loop suitable for intermediate and mountain bikers while the red advanced trail has challenges those with off-road skills will appreciate.
Dinton Pastures, near Wokingham is one of the most attractive spots locally and offers several different tracks around the lakes including the 1.8 mile Black Swan Lake loop where you can spot interesting ducks and swans along the way. The path is flat so ideal for kids but does have some bumpy sections where the path has been resurfaced with rough gravel.
Black Park Country Park has “family” written all over it with options for kids of all ages. In addition to the circular path around the lake, there’s a great route with an adventure play park halfway. It’s just under a mile so ideal for little legs. Bigger kids looking to exert themselves can take on the 10 miles of cycling and walking tracks around. Take your own bikes or hire them from Go Ape next to the car park.
The Thames Path stretch from Goring to Pangbourne is public bridleway so saddle up and ride. Enjoy some glorious country back lanes to Tilehurst Station (via Mapledurham) – it’s around nine miles and from there a train can zip you and your bikes back to Goring in about eight minutes.
Bikes, like anything else you treasure, require some TLC from time to time and that’s where organisations such as Reading Bike Kitchen come in. Got a bike that’s been sitting in the garage with spokes covered in cobwebs or just need some advice and access to tools to get your beloved bike shipshape again? This is the place for you. Take your trusty steed along and either make use of the space and tools at the Small Business Centre in Weldale Street or just ask one of the volunteers who will be more than happy to help and get you back in the saddle. Reading Bike Kitchen also welcomes donations of bikes in reasonable condition to pass on to a new owner. Visit readingbicyclekitchen.org to find out more.
Windsor Cycle Hub is a community initiative organisation set up to promote cycling for all in the community which as well as encouraging residents and visitors to get on their bikes, recycles affordable bikes, teaches mechanical skills, sharing knowledge and resources and running events and rides. Operating from The Swan in Clewer, the bike kitchen will carry out safety checks, maintenance, repairs and offer advice. Most weekends there’s a ride you can join in with too – operating on four different levels they’re a wonderful way to enjoy cycling in the company of others. Find all dates, advice and more at windsorcyclehub.org
Wiltshire
Wiltshire has some gorgeous scenery to navigate and explore so how about going slightly further afield and starting in Salisbury – worth it for the cathedral alone. Cycle via an old drover’s road up to remote Normanton Down where Stonehenge will be on the horizon. Cyclists in the know prefer the village of Avebury, whose ancient stone circle is more accessible and more fun to visit. The circular 160-mile Wiltshire Cycleway showcases the county, right up to historic Malmesbury in the Cotswolds.
Experienced cyclists will want to tackle William’s Big Wheel on Saturday, 10th June. Run by West Berkshire Spokes, it starts from West Mills, Newbury RG14 5BQ and takes you through Marlborough, Ramsbury and Lambourn. This is a limited numbers ride but if seeing them whizz past whets your appetite for ‘serious’ cycling then the group runs two rides a month, find out more at www.westberkshirespokes.org
You might still be in time to sign up for the Hydra Ride on June 25th. The sportive-style road cycle ride, starts from Wood Street, in the heart of Swindon Old Town, a choice of three routes all go south-east along rolling roads winding through stunning countryside taking in Lambourn, Ramsbury and Aldbourne on the way. The Hydra 5, 7, and 9 offer a challenge for riders of all abilities with rewarding climbs and swift descents. And if the cycling’s not for you make sure you look out for them pedalling through the towns and villages. Full routes at thehydraride.co.uk
Buckinghamshire
Follow the Phoenix Trail from Princes Risborough to Thame and enjoy the perfect family trail. Not only is it flat and safe, but there’s no traffic to contend with along the 7.5 mile path which largely follows the path of a disused railway line, dotted with 30 sculptures acknowledging railway history and the Chiltern countryside.
Wendover’s Juniper Cycle Trail takes you along six miles of well-surfaced trails with climbs and descents. Suitable for intermediate riders and mountain bikers with basic off-road skills, some parts are steep but the trail is well-surfaced.
Take in the sights of Jubilee Weir and Windsor (including Eton) on an enjoyable 11.5 mile route from Windsor Bridge Loop to Taplow that includes five+ miles of fabulous cycleways.
Explore Little Marlow, Bourne End, Cookham Bridge, Cookham Dean and the Marlow Suspension Bridge on an easy circular route of just over 10 miles, finishing back in town for a well-earned refreshment reward.
Longer routes well worth a pedal in the area include taking in the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre and Butt’s Way with a cycling round trip which takes in Princes Risborough. You can cycle in the landscape of Pavis Wood and enjoy Chesham, Amersham and Great Missenden and how about exploring the Royal Standard of England taking in Beaconsfield en route? For full details of these and more rides, please visit routeyou.com/en-gb/location/routes/47411801/buckinghamshire?route-type=1
Organised by Wheelpower, the Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride on Sunday, 11th June, is Buckinghamshire’s largest charity cycling event which starts and finishes at Stoke Mandeville Stadium with a chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Cyclists can enjoy full support en route while the finish yields a massage, barbecue and bar to recover and relax. This fabulous event raises funds for the Stoke Mandeville charity which provides opportunities for disabled people to lead healthy, active lives. Full details and to enter, visit wheelpower.org.uk/tourdevale23
Jack Wagstaff, Place Leader and Chief Officer for North West Surrey Health and Care Alliance shares how they are working together for better health, care and wellbeing for the benefit of the community
North West Surrey Health and Care Alliance recently held our first large-scale Community Day at the RHS Garden Wisley. The incredible setting intentionally set the tone for the type of environments we need around us to nurture our health and wellbeing.
More than 200 people living, working, running businesses, supporting vulnerable people and raising families in our communities joined us.
This was an opportunity to showcase everything from local recruitment opportunities to the progress we’re making joining up the delivery of health, care and wider wellbeing services. That included hearing about people like, Avis who has regained her confidence after a series of falls following support from our Urgent Community Response Team who helped her to remain independent in her own home. Watch Avis tell her story.
We also shared our work with borough councils, without whom it wouldn’t be possible to offer initiatives like our Step Down Service. This is supported accommodation for people who are medically fit but need additional help on discharge from hospital. For local residents Wendy and Darren this made all the difference. Hear more about Helen’s work.
As well sharing our progress, it was a chance for local people to tell us what it feels like to be on the receiving end of our work. The energy and positive feedback on the day was hugely motivating but what really struck me was just how active our residents want to be in improving their own health and wellbeing. Empowering people to take agency in this is the foundation of our work to develop neighbourhood teams. This follows recommendations from The Fuller Stocktake and our Critical 5 priorities, and means introducing multi-disciplinary teams to serve the needs of a defined footprint – with easy access to preventative support and tailored care when it’s needed.
Listening to the experiences of people from our communities and understanding their ideas for what a healthy and happy neighbourhood looks like opened up a different kind of dialogue about how we can influence the wider determinants of health. Considering transport and access, digital inequality, making it easier to navigate different services and liberating our community assets so they can take forward their own wellbeing initiatives, is all part of growing the neighbourhoods our residents want.
This is just the beginning of our work involve people in our communities, the voluntary and charity sector to build cohesive services and cultivate environments where our residents can thrive. Take a look at the highlights from the day in this short film. And if you’re interested in how we’ll be using the outputs of our discussions – keep an eye on our website or drop us a line.
