Which is why we suggest that if you do one thing this year, why not take up walking regularly? It's simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. What's more, you don't need any fancy equipment or a whole new wardrobe and you can do it with friends and family. It might only be a short walk, but you'll create memories to last a lifetime.

A quick internet search throws up lots of reasons to take up walking, some way more scientific than others. But the upshot is, Hippocrates was right. Here are just a few reasons why we should all take up walking.

It boosts your mood
Quite often, if you're having a rubbish day, going for a walk makes you feel better. Even better if the scenery is as breathtaking as it is here in the Lake District. According to the mental health charity, Mind, walking in parks or countryside reduced feelings of depression in 71% of the participants. So, if you're feeling low, pop on your walking boots and get outside.

Lose weight
A few of us might be carrying a few extra pounds after the Christmas break, and what better way to shed them than getting outside for a brisk walk? The key word here is brisk - a brisk 30-minute walk burns around 200 calories, which, over time, can lead to pounds shed.

It sharpens your brain
When you go for a walk, the heart pumps a little faster, circulating more blood and oxygen, and not just to the muscles, but to all the organs '' including the brain. As walking doesn't take a great deal of conscious effort, our minds are free to wander. So next time you're suffering from writer's block, need a fresh idea or you need to work out a problem, the simple solution is to take a walk.

The benefits of walking are endless. From improving sleep to living longer, strengthening muscles to relieving stress, the research is there for all to see.

Hawk Walks and Pony Treks
We love walking in the Lake District. And we're spoilt for choice when it comes to where to walk. But to make it an occasion to cherish, why not take a walk accompanied by a bird of prey or some wild fell ponies?

We've teamed up with local businesses to make your stay in a Matson Ground Holiday Cottage even more special. For more information about our Hawk Walks, click here, and for information about our Fell Pony Adventures, click here.