Nine ways National Trust membership can make you fitter

A group of walkers crossing stepping stones through a bog on a sunny Lake District fell — Walkers following the 1931 Alfred Wainwright route in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Whether you surf, cycle, run or walk, it’s easy to get fit or spend more time in nature’s playground as a National Trust member. By joining the National Trust, you could enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle all year round, while helping to care for the wild and precious places outside your window – for everyone, for ever.

Discover the joy of running: There’s something special about running in the natural and historic places we look after. You can immerse yourself in wildlife, feel inspired by beautiful landscapes and relax with a satisfying cup of tea after stretching your legs.
Conquer some of Britain’s best walks: With hundreds of hectares of hills, grassland, coastline and forests to explore, National Trust membership gives you access to some of the most scenic walks around. No matter if you’re a stroller, a strider or a hiker, you’ll find hundreds of routes on our website to get you started.
Get the cycling bug: Once you start exploring the network of cycle routes that zig-zag their way across the countryside, you could discover a route you've never taken before. You can choose to cruise along slowly to appreciate every sight and sound, or speed up to cover some real distance – it’s a great way to get out and about.
Make a splash in a kayak or canoe: Whether you’re making your way downriver or hugging the coast in search of secret coves and sea creatures, kayaking and canoeing let you discover many places that are inaccessible by land. They’re also some of the easiest water sports for beginners.
Hit the waves on a board: There are mellow waves perfect for beginners, slow peeling breaks ideal for longboards, and even a few heavy spots that can hold the biggest winter swells. We look after many of Britain’s most beautiful surfing beaches. So if this is your sport of choice, National Trust membership means more waves to explore for years to come.
Explore new places with four-legged friends: If you're a dog owner, there are lots of beautiful coastlines, countryside spots and parklands in our care where you can walk your dog and get a bit of exercise while you're at it. As a member, you’re helping to keep these places looking fresh, so you and your best furry friend can make the most of exercise in all four seasons.
Take on a new challenge: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of reaching the top of a hike and looking back at the start of your route far below. For a challenging physical and mental workout, we’ve got some great places to climb. Or, if you're seeking a different kind of challenge, why not try yoga and mindful exercises at a place that we care for?
Climb a tree: For a slightly less extreme (but no less vertical) adventure, you’ll find some brilliant climbing trees dotted around the places we look after. Getting to know a tree is No. 1 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, so what are you waiting for?
Develop a serious case of green fingers: Last, but certainly not least, National Trust membership is a wonderful way to nurture your love of gardening. And what better way to stay fit and healthy than spending more time in the garden, working to make it your very own haven? Even if you don't have a garden, you could be inspired to grow fruit and veg on your windowsill to fuel you for your next fitness adventure.

Visitors exploring the festive interiors in the Entrance Hall at Castle Ward, County Down

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