I have to say, that while I still get out of breath getting up the hill to the woods, and still slightly breathless while walking around, once I get home my recovery time is a lot less now, so some benefit being seen. I suppose if the weather were really bad I could use the treadmill, but there really is no motivation when just trudging on the treadmill. yesterday I spotted some paths i have not yet explored, they are nearer my departure point so I would need to explore on the route out or back, so that is the next target, you see its being out and seeing a side path that provides the impetus to go the next day and explore where that side path leads, once I have learned the paths there is enough variety to keep me engaged for ages to come, plus I have still to explore the further regions past the pond, there is the same area again past that to explore, and that links to footpaths leading to the next village etc etc.
my knees will be the limiting factor I think as they are not in best of shape, thus the gentle walks, I wont be pushing too hard or taking up jogging though. but distance, that is possible at a gentle pace.