Tales from the country

When even the dog's won't go walkies, it's no surprise Tessa's step count is going backwards.

- FEATURE TESSA CLAYTON

I WAS CONVINCED I'D GET FITTER WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I MOVED TO OUR DERBYSHIRE VILLAGE, given that we now have acres of countryside – most of them hilly – on our doorstep. In actual fact, the opposite has happened, and my stamina has taken a significant nosedive. It was brought home to me on a recent city break, which involved walking up way too many steps to get to a piazza with Insta-worthy views; reader, I nearly prolapsed.

When we lived in a town, I think I underestimated how much my daily nippings-out added to my step count. If I had to post a letter or we needed milk, I'd think nothing of pulling on my trainers and trotting to the post office/nearest corner shop. Given the lack of amenities around here, simple errands like these now require a car journey.