Walks
Walking is a free physical activity that can benefit your physical, social and mental well being just by stepping outside your house and appreciating the outdoors. The government recommends that we take 10,000 steps per day for our health, working out at an average of 5 miles per day. Getting started is easy! You don't need any special equipment and with the variety of free walks on offer, you will be able to choose a walk at a time to suit you.
Each walk is run by qualified walk leaders, normally 2 walk leaders per walk. However smaller walks may only have 1 leader and bigger walks may have more. Each walk leader has completed a 1 day training course run by our own fully qualified trainers
Use the grading table below to choose a walk suitable to your current fitness needs;
Grade 0 introductory:
Short, mostly flat circular walks up to 1.5 miles. Some walks may be suitable for pushchairs. Ideal for beginners or to give you a taste of the programme.
Grade 1: Mostly flat with slight inclines. Footpaths up to 2.5 miles. Some stiles.
Grade 2: Moderate inclines. Footpaths and grassland. May include stiles.
Grade 3: Some steeper inclines and stiles. Footpath and grassland. 3-6 miles.
Choose a walk close to your home unless you are happy to drive or take the bus. Choose a walk that you think you will be able to complete at ease as this will allow you to determine your comfort level and talk to the other walkers. Once you've completed a walk, chat to the walk leaders and ask them to suggest other walks that might be suitable for you. Build up to the longer, more demanding walks and discuss any worries with the walk leaders before you walk so they can make sure you will be comfortable.
The walks are very sociable and most end in a cafe or hall for a hot drink and biscuit. Many walkers come along on their own and the walks are an ideal place to meet people and make new friends. If you are worried about joining the walk on your own then bring a friend (or two!).
More details on the walks can be found as a downloadable file on the "weekly walks page".