Vauxhall - Article 4

"The longer I walk, the more relaxed and content I feel"

Keen to preserve the environment he gets so much out of, James drives the all-electric Vauxhall Corsa-e while he heads off for a hike.

After a lot of life upheaval impacted on his wellbeing James once again turned to walking, finding it a great coping mechanism.

James loved the outdoors from an early age, when he and his brother would go walking with his grandparents. “It felt like complete escapism,” he says.

This is the reason why James has invested in small but vital lifestyle changes, like carrying reusable bottles and a filter to safely fill up on water from streams. He opts for camping meals that contain less meat and that come in biodegradable packaging when possible. And he’s careful to respect the environment he’s rambling through. “One of the main pieces of advice I’d give people is to stick to the trodden paths,” James suggests. “If you trample over vulnerable vegetation, it can cause erosion and damage vital plants. Remember, when you leave, no one should know that you’ve been there.” Driving an electric vehicle to and from the trail is another way to minimise his impact. With this valuable advice, comes the reflection at just how inexpensive and accessible walking is. A wonderful way of escaping everyday life, says James, that anyone can manage. “Someone doing a two-mile stroll can have all the amazing experiences that I get from hiking up a mountain – it’s just about slowing down and opening up your senses to everything around you. And you can do it whenever you want. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who needs to recharge this autumn.”

“I love a brisk, long walk rather than a gentle bimble, because the endurance techniques set off my happiness-inducing endorphins,” he explains. “The longer I walk, the noise of everyday life dissipates, and a calmness descends over me. I de-stress, relax and find a deeper sense of contentment.” “I am really aware that if I drive to a place in a petrol car, I’m contributing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and then while out walking I might be causing erosion and damage to the landscape,” admits James. Driving a fully electric Vauxhall Corsa-e – which today has taken him along the Lake District’s seven best mountain roads in one charge, and safely to his next hiking trail – has given him one less thing to worry about. “Initially, I thought charging points might be few and far between in such a rural area but there were easily enough available to find in the app on my phone. There is a real desire from people who love the outdoors to try to figure out a way to enjoy those hobbies, enjoy nature, in the least damaging way possible.”

As James began his career as a journalist, he became lost in the busy routine. It wasn’t until he was facing big life changes in his early thirties – including moving away from his family, starting a new job and coping with the break-up of a long-term relationship – that he, once again, turned to walking. “I went through a lot of things in a short space of time, and I had a lot of weight on my shoulders,” describes James. “I started walking more and found it to be a great coping mechanism for those days when I felt low or anxious. Sometimes it was the exercise, that sense of achievement of climbing a big hill, that helped me – at other times it was just the fresh air and nice views.” Now, James regularly hikes as a means of looking after his mental health. As well as going on single-day walks with his partner Nic Hardy, he plans longer trips along some of Britain’s most iconic walking routes, including a 500-mile, 16-day hike between the three peaks of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. Packing just enough waterproof clothing and innerwear into his five-kilogram backpack, along with a one-person tent and a gas canister, James drives a nippy fully electric Vauxhall Corsa-e – the perfect carrier for outdoor pursuits – to the starting point of his reviving, restorative wander into the wilderness.

It’s the gentle sway of the grass that first captures his attention; the silent back and forth motion becoming more rapid as the westerly breeze picks up. In the distance, Crummockwater lake changes from a glassy powder-blue to a dark mauve and soft ripples spread across its surface. Overhead, the hazy cotton wool clouds pick up pace, shifting across the sky as though they, too, are on a purposeful journey. Watching from Low Fell, James Forrest lets the cool breeze linger on his warm cheeks. Then he rises to his feet and continues on his path. As an adventurer and long-term hiker, James, 38, learned to love the outdoors from an early age, when – together with his brother – he would go walking in Sandwell Valley Country Park with his grandparents. “Our family lived in Birmingham and going to the outskirts of the city felt like complete escapism to me,” he says. “The possibilities were endless. We would jump in puddles, balance on logs and feed the ducks.”

Adventurer James Forrest tells us why walking has become his therapy of choice

‘It’s about opening up your senses to everything around you’

To make the switch to electric easier, Vauxhall offer a Smart Solo 7kW charger, provided by Pod Point, for fast and reliable home charging overnight.

Each of Vauxhall’s all-electric vehicles come with an Eco mode, which switches the vehicle’s systems to maximum energy efficiency. The regenerative braking system stores kinetic energy in the battery to help you travel further – ensuring long distances are covered safely and efficiently.

Vauxhall’s All Electric technology is designed to present you with optimum conditions to conserve your battery power. By driving at a moderate speed and selecting the Eco driving mode, you can enhance the car’s capabilities even further and can cover distances of up to 209 miles without recharging.

Going the distance with Vauxhall’s All Electric Range

DID YOU KNOW?

Plan your own Lake District hiking adventure with Secret Escapes Follow in James’ footsteps by making the 2.5 hour climb to Via Ferrata at the Honister Slate Mine in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The route follows the original underground mine workings and includes vertical climbs, rope-bridge crossings, steel ladder ascents, run-away zip line, and even a Tarzan swing – perfect for adventurers of all ages. End the day with a muscle-repairing soak in the bubbling hot tub at West Yorkshire’s Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.

Plan your own Lake District hiking adventure with Secret Escapes

Find out more about Vauxhall’s All-Electric Range

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa makes the perfect post-hike retreat, with its pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

At Honister Slate Mine you can enjoy a wealth of adventure sports from mine-climbing to walking the infinity bridge.

This breathtaking view of Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace is typical of the Lake District, famed for it's stunning landcape

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Mokka-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles (WLTP). Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP). *WLTP Figures shown are for comparison purposes and should only be compared to the fuel consumption and CO2 values of other cars tested to the same technical standard. The fuel consumption achieved, and CO2 produced, in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: the accessories fitted (pre and post registration); variations in weather; driving styles and vehicle load. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures display a range to reflect the highest value for the highest emitting version with all available options added, through to a minimum value to represent the lowest emitting version in standard specification. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer.

Driving change: how to make the switch to electric easier

Choose your next Autumn adventure with Vauxhall

Driving change: how to make the switch to electric easier

Choose your next Autumn adventure with Vauxhall

Driving change: how to make the switch to electric easier

Choose your next Autumn adventure with Vauxhall

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