Christmas trail launched to help residents' wellbeing

East Cambridgeshire District Council has launched a Christmas trail to provide families with an alternative outdoor Christmas activity this festive season.

The trail, which is a circular walk starting and finishing at Ely Country Park, involves a set of rhyming festive clues which leads those taking part around the city.

Each of the seven clues placed on the trail are accompanied by a specific letter. Once the trail has been completed, the letters can be re-arranged to form a festive word.

Residents who successfully take part in the trail and find the missing word, will have the chance to enter a prize draw, where 50 entrants will win a £10 voucher to spend at a local business based in the district.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “2020 has been a year like no other and the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected us in every aspect of life. While celebrations will look different this year, we wanted to ensure that families are still able to enjoy the festive period.

“This trail is the perfect chance for households and support bubbles to take part in a Christmas activity in line with the Government guidelines and we are asking residents to enjoy taking part in the trail safely.”

Each clue is accessed on the trail by a poster displaying a QR code, this allows families to use the cameras on their phones to access the clue and continue their journey without generating crowding. 

Councillor Lis Every, Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “I am so excited that we have been able to put together this Christmas trail for the people of East Cambridgeshire.

“It’s come at a time where COVID-19 is having a huge impact on people’s mental wellbeing and this trail, provides an excellent chance for children and their families to benefit from some festive fun and the great outdoors.

“Staying active is a great way to improve your mental health and we hope that this trail not only gets families out safely but brings some extra Christmas cheer.”

The trail is open from Friday 4th December and will run until the first week in January.