Now that my roving outdoors guest blogger Romy Beard has had her baby (Ayden is  four months) her approach to fitness activities has changed. Here is her blog.

Romy writes: Before Ayden was born I had  formed a plan of getting back into fitness training by heading out for a cycle or run the minute my husband returned from work. What I hadn’t considered is how I could be active during the day, involving Ayden.

About six weeks after he was born, when I had recovered enough from the shock of childbirth to think about my time off on maternity leave, I decided that instead of spending the next few months going for coffee with other mums and babies, I would make the most of it to get out for walks in the countryside and explore areas of Scotland that I hadn’t been to. This seemed like a nice way to get back into exercise in a way that would involve Ayden as well. I quickly found other mums with a similar interest and have since been out on a few long walks.

Getting out for walks with your baby is a great way to spend the day. I personally find sitting at home (or in coffee shops) harder work, as Ayden needs more entertaining, whereas he is very happy and easy to please if he is being carried around. On the other hand I get a good workout (he is getting heavier) and a chance to spend the day outside.

Of course, walking with baby is not quite the same as walking without. There are two things to consider: Kit and terrain.

Kit: having the right gear is important. Waterproof shoes, jacket and trousers are a must for any walk in Scotland. If you’re walking with your little one, there’s an array of different baby carriers to choose from, whether you plan to carry the little one on the front to begin with, and later on your back in a proper hiking rucksack.

My own preference has been for the Didymos sling that allows you to tie your baby close to your chest. Little Ayden is a big fan and likes to be carried around like that. I guess he was used to being carried on walks when he was still in my tummy! The first few months he slept a lot and would only make himself heard when he was hungry, but now he is looking out a lot of more and is nosy as to what is going on around him.

Other kit to take includes an umbrella, change of clothes and nappies and food & drink . Breastfeeding makes things easier when it comes to packing for Ayden!

Terrain: Walking up and down a steep hill is not ideal when carrying a baby. Firstly, it is hard work and secondly you can’t see where you are placing your feet on the way down (if you carry your baby on the front, like I still do). I find flat, coastal walks best, or walks with some up and down hills but not major inclines.

Walks to try when out and about with a baby in a sling

* Anstruther to Crail on the Fife Coastal Path, it’s beautiful!

* Various seaside walks around Portmahomack, north of Inverness, for example the Tarbat Ness Circuit

* Go for a stroll along the shores of Loch Lomond, starting in Balloch and heading up past the castle.

* The Queen’s view walk near Loch Tummel

* For a short walk up a hill (give the baby for the hubby for that one) I liked the Hike up the Fyrish Monument or parts of the way up Ben Lawers near Loch Tay.