5 top tips for care free, car free walking

1. Shop around for your ticket. If your car free journey involves a train then it's worth trying to get your tickets as early as possible as this will often save you money. Most advanced tickets are available upto 12 weeks before the date of travel. If you buy your tickets through this link - theTrainline.com - then you will generate some commission that will go towards running the Car Free Walks website. If you need to catch a bus as well as a train, have a look at the Plusbus website which has details of ways to save yourself money.
   
   You can also usually get discounts for group travel if there's a few of you travelling together, so be sure to ask. Similarly, some train and bus operators offer 'special' (and sometimes little advertised!) Rover type tickets where you can get on and off as many services as you like for one price, so it's worth taking a little time researching the best value way to travel.
   
   We've researched some of the many offers and discounts available - click here to find out more. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website has lots more information about how to get the best value bus and train tickets, as does Best Value Rail Fares.
   
   

© Alastair Robb Photography


2. Try a different route. Car free walking opens up exciting new opportunities for exploring as you no longer need to start and finish your walk at a car park. Make the most of this by planning a linear route that takes you further a field to reach parts of the countryside that are less accessible to others. You could even attempt a longer distance walk over a number of days for a real sense of exploration and adventure.
   
   
3. Have a back up plan. Make sure you leave yourself a bit of spare time for your walk just in case it takes a little longer then you expect. Building in a 'Plan B' for getting home is also a good idea to save you rushing if the day doesn't go quite right. If you finish your walk in a village or town you can always reward your efforts with some well-earned refreshment or some shopping whilst you wait for your bus or train home.
   
   
4. Be prepared. You will need to take all the usual kit to keep yourself comfortable and safe. It's also worth taking a bit of extra cash should your travel plans change and an extra layer of clothing just in case you end up waiting a little longer than expected for your lift home.
   
   
5. Be proud! Nothing beats the satisfaction you will feel having chosen to experience a car free walk. Not only will you be doing your bit towards taking care of the planet, but you will also have the time to truly enjoy it. So sit back, relax and enjoy the journey as someone else takes care of getting you home !