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Health walks are short organised walks, often led by trained volunteers from the local community. Designed with health in mind they can improve both physical and mental health by offering a safe, relaxed and sociable atmosphere in which to walk. Health walks are perfect for beginners as well as those who would like to become more active or perhaps lack the confidence and knowledge about where to walk. Inactivity is as big a cause of heart disease as smoking. Walking is a great way to improve your health in a safe, sociable and enjoyable way. Walking for half an hour five times a week is enough to: - Halve the risk of coronary heart disease
- Maintain weight loss
- Improve coordination, flexibility, stamina and energy
- Reduce the chance of developing Type II diabetes
- Cut the risk of suffering a stroke by one third
- Ease depression and anxiety
- Reduce blood pressure
In addition walking can make you feel good, give you more energy and help you sleep better.
We can accommodate a variety of levels and abilities - trained volunteer walk leaders will lead each walk through the countryside surrounding the towns and villages the walks start from. Some of the walks have options tailored specifically to meet your own needs, goals and fitness levels - you can either join us for a shorter route, which will last about an hour, or stay for a longer more challenging walk which will last for about an hour and a half. No specialist equipment is necessary - just dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable sensible outdoor shoes or trainers. ALCESTER WALKS
from the Greig Lifestyles Centre: 10.00am Tuesdays Varied cross country routes along local public footpaths around the town. This walk takes you over fields and hills and through wooded areas, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Independent more challenging longer routes are also available lead by a trained volunteer. Walkers regularly have a social get together in a local café after their walk. BIDFORD-ON-AVON WALKS
from the bridge across the Avon: 10.30am Mondays This walk alternates between a small number of popular scenic routes such as along the River Avon to Marlcliff; around the golf course; and to Broom village. Walkers are welcome to stop for refreshments after their walk at the local village bakery and café. STUDLEY WALKS
from the Youth Centre: 2.30pm Wednesdays As for Alcester. STRATFORD WALKS
from Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre 10.30am Wednesdays Well-known routes along the tramway and recreation ground, through the town or by the canals and river on mainly flat tarmac surfaces and paths. This walk often stops at a variety of local café's for refreshments and a rest en-route, or at The Gallery coffee shop on return to the Leisure Centre. STRATFORD TRACK WALKING
Stratford High School Athletics Track: 5.30-7.00pm Wednesdays Come and join us for as little or as long as you want during this drop-in session. This is a friendly, safe, relaxed and flexible way to walk - come along on your own or in a group, and take it at your own pace. You can walk as few or as many laps at you want so it's ideal for all levels of walkers from complete beginners who may just want to try to do a little more each week, to the more advanced who may want to power walk their way round and improve their lap times. SOUTHAM WALKS
from Southam Leisure & Visitor Centre: 2.00pm Tuesdays This walk takes you through the town and out to local parks and historical attractions such as the Merestone, the Holy Well, and along parts of the Heritage Trail. SHIPSTON WALKS
from Shipston Leisure Centre: 10.30am Thursdays A rural walk through the town and local countryside areas taking in the local heritage and views of the surrounding Cotswolds. NB. Walks will be led during all weather conditions unless unsafe to do so. Cross country routes will be substituted for urban walks along footpaths in poor weather conditions.
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