Engaging with the great outdoors at Big Sky Brisley

Spending time outdoors

As I write this it is ‘Take a Walk Outdoors’ Day.  It is celebrated every year on 20^th January, apparently.  It promotes the health and well-being benefits of being outside, in fresh air, surrounded by nature. I got thinking about the many ways you can choose to engage with the great outdoors here at Big Sky Brisley. From the more adventurous pursuits to quiet reflection there are endless opportunities to escape the routines of daily life, rejuvenate, get fresh air in green spaces and enjoy nature.

Engaging movement out-of-doors

If you’re someone who enjoys movement in the great outdoors with some degree of physical activity, then look no further. For some a daily stroll down to the fabulous local pub ticks the box for steps. For others we offer 8 circular walking routes of varying distance and interests, all leaving from and returning to our gate. 

This all reminded me to check over the mapped walking routes. Then inspiration struck!  How about going a step further, (excuse the pun), whilst also ticking the sustainability box as well.  Guests could board a local bus at the stop practically outside the gate armed with our  suggestions for a hike from the drop-off points?  After exploring an area which could, by-the-way, include a pub, there would be 2 options. Either board the homeward bound bus or follow a suggested walking route back to site.  There may of course be only one choice if you spend too much time in the pub and miss the said bus back!

For the seriously physically fit there are 33 miles of the Nar Valley way to explore. This starts nearby at the Farm and Workhouse Museum, Gressenhall, and meanders through a changing landscape. Linking to the Peddars Way (49 miles) you can head north to Hunstanton where you join the Norfolk Coast path (83 miles).  One of our favourites as you can walk a section at a time, jump on the Coastal hopper  back to your car and take in at least one pub or coffee stop in the process.

If however you are a person who likes to bike in the great outdoors, our popular mapped cycling trails offer a variety of landscapes and distances. These will provide endless physical activity across and around Norfolk.

Bird watching in Norfolk is hugely popular. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to green spaces and fresh air in our reserves and commons. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust    alone manages over 60 nature reserves in Norfolk and organize walks around them.  These are listed on our weekly Events board. Other conservation organisations and business, such as Pensthorpe look after our feathered friends and are fabulous places for a walk or just a quiet time in a hide surrounded by nature.

The great outdoors, without so much movement

Alternatively if you’re someone who prefers less movement, wanting to slow down, retreat, whilst still seeking greenspaces and fresh air, then our bespoke Shepherd’s Hut, The Huddle, offers you plenty.   Far reaching views over pastures, farmland and woodland, can be soaked up when relaxing on comfortable chairs and loungers in your own private garden. Warm sunny days will tempt you outside for alfresco dining. Simply watching the clouds drifting by can be deeply calming and restorative.  For sky watchers  our big sky overhead, in a Dark Skies village, is paradise on a clear night. Star gazing whilst enjoying the glow of the firepit is proving to be a year-round activity with our guests       

This is just a glimpse of a few of the ways you too can engage with the great outdoors at Big Sky Brisley. We take great pleasure in seeing our guests unwind and truly relax here, in whatever outdoorsy way suits them best – and why I imagine so many return.