Walking ‘around-the-block’ remains most popular leisure activity

HILVERSUM - To most people, a regular stroll ‘around-the-block,’ remains the most popular walking exercise in the Netherlands, followed by a city-walk and a longer nature walk. A recent survey suggests that the woods in the central Veluwe nature reserve are the favourite destination for such outings, with the forests in Brabant and Limburg, and the coastal dunes being increasingly popular. The majority of the people polled see walks primarily as a way to relax, but also take into account its health benefits and enjoyment of nature. They usually take company along for this form of exercise. The rising trend of ‘Nordic walking’ – with two oversized ski poles at a crisp clip – illustrates the extent of interest in this form of exercise, while one in five prefers to walk long distances, such as in annual Four Day Walk events of which the country has many.