RUXTON WALKS (Across England)

Here are some proposed topics that could be worth continued discussion, some specific to the area and some general. 1. Distance There is an interest in any distance from 10 meters to 200 miles.  At the short end there are standardized tests for timing a 10 meter walk.  This would be for those frail due to age or other medical problems.  This could be done locally but needs some safety support. Another standard test is the six minute timed walk for which there are age standards.  This should generally be a little more than a quarter mile.  There is that timed mile walk over at St Joseph Hospital near the Osler Dr entrance. There is a consensus that health exercise need not involve a marathon.  Twenty minutes 3-4 times a week gives much of the exercise benefits. An hour three times a week may be better. An occasional long distance walk can be an interesting goal, 25 mile charity walk, or the walks across country.  A range of options. 2. Techn...

Here is a meander around Shepherd Pratt and Towson University.  There is no cue sheet but it is a walk with many options as you checkout the featured points.  I started from a Shepherd Pratt parking area on a quiet Sunday afternoon.  Parking might generally be better near Auburn House in the event parking for Towson University.  I would still lean toward counter-clockwise the first time, easier to find the fence and the wooded section. But from the Shepherd Pratt parking lot walk down the Charles street exit to the stream and turn left to walk along the west side of the creek. This is where the old ice pond was, there is a marker but the dam was removed. The path is dirt but wide and well drained. Go over the bridge and turn left toward the athletic fields. Unfortunately there is a locked gate and fence requiring a short bushwhack up the hill following the fence line to the parking lot.  Not bad during the winter.  Head down or left to the stadium and tur...