Why a Valentine’s Day walk together is the ultimate gift for you and your partner New
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For many of us, that means a sudden panic about booking a table at a restaurant that is probably already full. We worry about buying the perfect card, finding a babysitter, or spending money we simply do not have on gifts that might end up in a drawer.
But what if I told you there is a better way to spend the day? A way that costs nothing, boosts your mood, helps your heart, and might actually make you feel closer to your partner than a movie or a dinner ever could?
It sounds too good to be true, but the answer is simple: go for a walk.
Taking a walk together, or even by yourself, is one of the most underrated gifts you can give this February. It is a chance to step away from screens, breathe in some fresh air, and reconnect. Whether you are happily coupled up, navigating a tricky patch, or flying solo this year, lacing up your trainers and heading out the door could be the best decision you make.
This article includes products I have been gifted from adidas as part of an ongoing collaboration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this post, I will look at why a simple walk together is powerful for your physical health, your mental well-being, and your relationship. Plus, I will share some practical tips to make it feel like a special occasion rather than just another chore and some Valentine’s gifts that go well with this idea.
The gift of physical health
Let’s start with the obvious one. We all know moving our bodies is good for us, but on Valentine’s Day, we usually focus on chocolates and wine rather than cardio. However, loving your partner (and yourself) also means looking after your heart in a literal sense.
Walking does wonders for your body
You do not need to run a marathon to see benefits. According to the NHS, a brisk 10-minute walk every day can help build stamina, burn calories, and make your heart healthier. A walk together counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise for adults.
When you walk briskly, your heart beats faster. It pumps more oxygen around your body, waking up your muscles and your brain. It is a gentle way to look after your long-term health without the scary intensity of a gym class.
If you are wondering exactly how much energy you are using, you might be surprised. Factors like your weight, speed, and the terrain all play a part. You can check out a detailed breakdown of the numbers in my guide on how many calories walking burns. It breaks it down by stone and speed, so you can see exactly what your romantic walk together is doing for your waistline.
You don’t need fancy equipment
One of the best things about walk together is that the barrier to entry is so low. You do not need a membership or expensive equipment. You just need a decent pair of shoes.
If your feet hurt, you won’t have a good time. So, make sure you wear something supportive. Whether it is an old faithful pair of boots or those comfy adidas trainers you live in, comfort is key. If you are comfortable, you can walk together further, talk longer, and enjoy the day more.
The gift of mental well-being
Valentine’s Day can be stressful. There is so much pressure to be happy, romantic, and perfect. If you are struggling with your mental health, or if things have been tough lately, this holiday can feel heavy.
Nature helps you reset
Walking is a natural mood booster. The mental health charity Mind explains that spending time in green spaces can reduce feelings of stress and anger. It can help you feel more relaxed and improve your confidence.
When you are stuck indoors, worries tend to bounce around the walls. Stepping outside, especially into a park or a bit of countryside, gives your brain something else to focus on. You notice the trees, the sky, and the dogs being walked. It grounds you.
Chemical happiness
It is not just about the scenery, though. When we exercise, our bodies release “feel-good” hormones. The NHS’s Every Mind Matters campaign highlights that being active helps with anxiety and sleep. It clears your head.
Think of a walk as a form of self-care. We often think self-care means bubble baths or face masks, but sometimes it is just putting one foot in front of the other. If you need more inspiration on looking after yourself, have a read of my post on simple ways to practice self-care. It includes getting active for 30 minutes a day, which ties in perfectly with a Valentine’s walk together.
The gift of connection
Now, let’s talk about relationships. Why is a walk together better than a dinner date?
Side-by-side vs. face-to-face
Sitting across a table from someone can sometimes feel intense. You have to maintain eye contact. If the conversation dries up, the silence feels loud.
Walking together is different. You are moving side-by-side, looking ahead at the path. This setup often makes it easier to talk about difficult or deep topics. The relationship support charity Relate suggests that changing your location can change your thinking. If you have been bickering at home, getting out of that space can break the cycle.
They also mention that doing something while you talk, like walking, shifts you into a different mindset. It takes the pressure off. You can talk about your future, your dreams, or just gossip about the neighbours, all without the pressure of a formal date.
Creating shared memories
A walk together can be an adventure. You might find a new path, see a beautiful sunset, or get caught in the rain and have to run for cover. These little moments become shared memories.
If you are looking for ways to make the day special without spending a fortune, a walk is a great starting point. In fact, I listed “a walk in the park” as a great idea for a ‘date jar’ in my article on DIY Valentine’s gifts. It is proof that thoughtful time together is worth more than expensive presents.
Buying gifts for your walk together
If you still want to buy a gift, then don’t worry, you can. Why not consider some outdoor shoes that suit the places where you like to walk together? Or perhaps you could start a new sport together and buy some bits for it? Maybe you could join the new Padel club in town, or if your partner likes golf, you could buy them some golf clothing and promise to go with them?
Remember, the gift here is the time of a walk together, not the amount spent, so anything you buy needs to fit with that. It could be a hat for £5 or a new fitness tracker for £300; the cost should be within your budget, and the time together is most important.
How to plan the perfect Valentine’s walk
You might be thinking, “It’s just a walk together, how much planning do I need?” Well, a little bit of effort can turn a normal dog walk into a romantic date.
Pick a route with a view
Don’t just do the usual lap around the block. Find somewhere new. Is there a local woodland you have never explored? A canal path? A hill with a view of the town? A quick search online for local footpaths can reveal hidden gems right on your doorstep.
Time it right
If you can, try to catch the sunset or sunrise. There is something undeniably romantic about golden light. If you are walking in the evening, maybe find a route with nice streetlights or a view of the city glow.
Leave the phones alone
This is the big one. Agree to keep your phones in your pockets. No checking emails, no scrolling social media. Be present with each other. If you must take a photo, take one quickly and then put the phone away.
Bring supplies
If it is cold, fill a flask with hot chocolate or coffee to share on a bench. Bring a few biscuits or a snack. It shows you have thought ahead. If you are walking past a pub or a café, maybe plan a pit stop for a drink.
What if I’m single?
If you are single this Valentine’s Day, a walk is still a brilliant idea. It is a date with yourself.
Put on your headphones and listen to your favourite podcast or an uplifting playlist. Walk at your own pace without having to wait for anyone else. Smile at people you pass. Enjoy the freedom of being outside.
It is a reminder that you are important and that your health and happiness matter. Plus, the endorphins from the exercise will help combat any loneliness.
Walking through the seasons of a relationship
Going for a walk together is something you can do at every stage of a relationship.
The early days: It is a low-pressure first or second date. If it goes well, you can keep walking. If it doesn’t, you can loop back to the car. It is public and safe, but it gives you a chance to chat.
The busy years: When you have jobs, kids, and a mortgage, time together is rare. A 20-minute walk while the kids are at a club or after dinner might be the only adult conversation you get all day. Grab it with both hands.
The golden years: Walking keeps you mobile and independent. It is a hobby you can share forever. Couples who walk together often stay active together for longer.
Summary
This Valentine’s Day, do not feel pressured to conform to what the adverts tell you to do. You do not need to spend hundreds of pounds to show someone you care.
Giving your time, your attention, and your company is the most valuable gift of all. By going for a walk together, you are investing in your health, clearing your mind, and strengthening your bond.
So, grab your coat, put on those trainers, and step outside. Your heart (in every sense of the word) will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is walking really enough exercise?
Yes! Walking is fantastic exercise. The NHS states that a brisk 10-minute walk counts towards your recommended weekly activity. It gets your heart rate up and burns calories without putting too much strain on your joints.
What if it rains on Valentine’s Day?
We live in the UK, so rain is always a possibility! As the old saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.” Put on a waterproof coat and some boots. Walking in the rain can actually be quite romantic and funny if you embrace it. Plus, you can warm up with a hot drink afterwards.
Can I lose weight by walking?
You certainly can. Walking burns calories, and if you combine regular walking with a healthy diet, it can help with weight loss. The exact amount you burn depends on things like your weight and speed.
Do I need to buy hiking boots?
Not for a general walk together. Comfortable trainers, like a pair of adidas or similar, are usually fine for parks and pavements. If you plan to go off-road into muddy fields or up steep hills, walking boots might be safer to stop you slipping.
How can I make a walk together feel like a date?
It is all about intention. holding hands, leaving phones away, and bringing a little treat like a flask of hot chocolate can make it feel special. You could also write a card to give to them when you reach a nice viewpoint.
Have you been for a walk together lately? Is it something you could consider? I always find a walk together helps to just ground us and talk without the TV, pressures of cooking and all the other household roles. Will you and your partner go for a walk together this Valentine’s?
