KEEPING active in body and mind has all been part of trying to get through Covid-19 with the best possible physical and mental health.

Two women from a village near Tenbury have used lockdown to write a book to help people do just that.

Ros Plested and Sandra Budge have been putting their best feet forward and exploring some of the many country walks in and around the village of St Michaels.

They have decided not to keep it to themselves but have written a short book with hand drawn maps and drawings.

All of the walks are within five miles of St Michaels so easy to get to within what is allowed.

“The idea of the book was conceived during the early part of the year when walking became another saving grace when facing isolation in our world of sudden lockdown,” says the introduction to the book.

“Our story began in March, and so after 190 miles of recycling and many happy hours later the book has come to fruition”.

Many of the walks in the book start from outside the St Michaels Village Hall or the Common.

The women undertook the walks more than once in order to be able to identify the beauty and wildlife so close to home.

They say that this has been a revelation.

But they warn that some of the walks can be wet and muddy so to make sure that suitable clothing and footwear is worn before setting out.

In the process of their research the women have climbed hills, negotiated stiles, followed streams and even coped with the occasional bull. They also say that plenty of sandwiches and the occasional cake have kept their energy up.

The shortest walk should take about one-and-a-half hours.

There are also tougher challenges of up to three hours including the willingness to slog it on some uphill stretches.

At all times walkers are urged to consider others, close gates and if taking a dog to keep it under control.