Working off the Chocolate: A guide to our favourite active adventures
Easter. A time for family, community, adventure and fresh air. For many, and we include ourselves in this, it’s a time for chocolate.
It’s a biological attraction. You may not remember your first experience of chocolate but your brain does. Chances are you were given some chocolate as a reward or a treat when you were young. This positive association has a lasting impact.
When you eat chocolate, your body releases dopamine. You get a surge when you pass by the confectionary aisle or your kitchen cupboard. We recognise this feeling as a craving. But we can get dopamine in many other ways. Exercise, music, meditation or even a simple hug from a friend can release dopamine into our bodies.
Chocolate has become a core part of Easter celebrations. And with the festive weekend fast approaching, we’ve been having a think about a few ways to work off the choc. Here are some of our favourite Park activities to get you into the great outdoors and breathing in some fresh spring air.
For beginners: Geocaching
If you’re looking to get active outdoors but want a gentle start, Geocaching might be for you. This high-tech treasure hunt gets you out into the fresh air, searching for hidden items across the Park. Using our handheld GPS receivers, you can go at your own pace and enjoy the sights while getting your steps in.
There’s no need to book for Geocaching. All the kit you need is available from Cycle Hire every day. You can hire everything for £5. Find out more.
For the adventurous: Orienteering
Leave the technology behind and go back to basics, with this race against the clock to get to all the control points as quick as you can. Orienteering is a family friendly activity that encourages healthy competition and exercise, all while having fun.
Orienteering maps can be picked up from Cycle Hire for £2. Find out more.
For the brave: MY/PT
If you’re looking for something a little more extreme, we’ve got just the thing. Push your body to the limit with a MY/PT military fitness session. You’re basically fighting the chocolate off with this intense cardio workout. Crawl, climb and jump your way to a healthier body.
Sessions run daily at Betteshanger. Find out more.
For the festive: Spring Trail
Our new Spring Trail provides a good opportunity for light exercise and exploration. This family friendly activity takes you through the heart of the Park. You’ll need to find the mischevious lost lambs. Once found, they’ll each task you an activity and help you crack the secret code.
Our Spring Trail begins on Good Friday (30th March) and will run throughout the season. This fun and low cost activity will keep the kids entertained and active throughout the Easter holidays.
Trail packs are £2 and can be collected from Cycle Hire.
And the Betteshanger classic: Cycling
We couldn’t leave this one off the list, after all, we’ve got the longest road cycle track in the UK, not to mention 10km of rugged mountain bike trails running through the Park. You can go casual, or race your friends, sticking to the flat route or getting a little more adventurous on our woodland trails.
Bring your own bike or hire one of ours. Cycle hire is available daily.
How will you spend your Easter?
One thing is for certain, a morning of mountain biking will burn off that cheeky creme egg. An afternoon at MY/PT will earn you a few chunks off that chocolate bunny. Whatever you get up to this Easter, we hope you have a fantastic time.
Don’t forget to check out our full Easter programme.
Reminder: Our Park opening hours extend to 7pm on Thursday 29th March.
