OS Champion

Zoe Homes

Meet Zoe Homes – Countryside, road-trip and mini-adventure lover, getting #OneHourOutside every day.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

Having fun outdoors is what make me most happy. Telling stories about that outdoor fun comes a very close second. I am a hiker, camper, kayaker, adventure motorcyclist, road trip lover, and someone who enjoys trying all kinds of outdoor activities (some only once…).

I consider myself very normal when it comes to adventure; everything I do has to fit in with normal life. I’ve had some big(ish) adventures on foot and on the road, such as hiking the UK Coast to Coast and riding my motorbike to the Sahara Desert. But generally, my time is spent on much smaller and more accessible adventures. I truly believe that spending time outside counts whether it is a 200-mile long-distance hike, or a lunchtime walk from your front door.

Through my One Hour Outside project, I try to encourage people to spend a little bit of time outside every single day (an hour is great but less is also brilliant!). It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort, and will make a huge difference to our body, mind and soul.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Zoe Homes’ Favourite Hiking Route – Cleeve Hilll and Breakheart Plantation

This has to be my ‘local’ hill – Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds with amazing views and a hint of wildness.

I call this my local hill because it’s the one I can see from home and work, and it’s the place I end up most often when I’m looking to get some quality countryside-time without travelling anywhere. I am very blessed to have such a beautiful part of the UK right on my doorstep, I visit often.

There are lots (and lots) of walking options on and around Cleeve Hill, it’s a very good place for a wander and is very popular for good reason. Some people will do the same two mile loop each time they visit, nothing wrong with that, while others will head off in all directions to find new paths to explore.

In my opinion, this walk takes in the best bits of Cleeve Hill, with the added benefit of also going through the beautiful steep sided woodland of Breakheart Plantation. Making use of the Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way, taking in two trig pillars, there’s some amazing views (into Wales on a good day) and plenty of historical interest. Enjoy!

Blog Post | Map: OL45

Cleeve Hilll and Breakheart Plantation

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

Douglas Adams said: “don’t forget your towel” – and with this one you can make sure you don’t! The OS micro towel is teeny, but just perfect to carry for those unexpected towel-emergencies when enjoying the outdoors. Apparently, it’ll soak up 9x its own weight in water… it’s therefore perfect for drying my feet after a paddle, my hands and gear after heavy rain, or my sweaty face after climbing a big hill!

At just 37cm square and tucking nearly into its own little pouch, with a clip to attach it to the outside of my pack, this towel is made from super absorbent material and has a mappy print on it (mine is of Dartmoor – a birthday present – but there are others to choose from).

Honestly, this cute little thing is such a handy bit of outdoor kit everyone needs one.