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Health walks are short organised walks 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 urban areas and countryside surrounding the towns and villages the walks start from.
Most of the walking groups do tend to naturally 'split' into small groups of faster and slower walkers and we have therefore devised a number of walks which enable people to join us for either a shorter or less demanding route, which will last about an hour (no more than 3 miles, with some small slopes and fairly flat surfaces); or a longer more challenging walk which will last for about an hour and a half or more (up to five miles with some hills or more challenging terrain).
No specialist equipment is necessary – just dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable sensible outdoor shoes or trainers.
Bidford-on-Avon Walks from the bridge across the Avon 10.30am Mondays. About an hour and a half in duration, often split into 2 groups to accommodate both faster and slower walkers.
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.
Stratford Walks from Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre 10.30am Wednesdays. Between one hour and an hour and a half in duration, this group often split into two to accommodate faster and slower walkers (the faster group head off for a longer more challenging walk at some point en-route before meeting back with the slower group afterwards for refreshments).
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 end of the walk. Walkers can then make their own way home afterwards. This group will often organise a longer more challenging walk from time to time and occasional social outings for those who want to take part.
Stratford Track Walking at Stratford High School Athletics Track. Drop-in anytime between 5.30-7pm 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.
Nb. Not run during vacation periods, i.e. Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.
Southam Walks from Southam Leisure & Visitor Centre 2.00pm Tuesdays. This walk, at a gentle to moderate pace, varies from an hour to an hour and a half or so in duration depending on the route.
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 10.00am Thursdays*. Between one hour and an hour and a half in duration, this group often split into two to accommodate faster and slower walkers (the faster group head off for a longer more challenging walk at some point en-route before meeting back with the slower group afterwards for refreshments at the Leisure Centre).
A rural walk through the town and local countryside areas taking in the local heritage and views of the surrounding Cotswolds.
*On the last Thursday in the month we walk from Telegraph Street Car park, Shipston on Stour.
Wellesbourne Walks from The Village Hall 9.45am every Friday. A pleasant gentle to moderate paced walk around surrounding parks, along the river and country footpaths. The walks take about an hour and are suitable for all levels and abilities. This group will often organise a longer more challenging walk from time to time and occasional social outings for those who want to take part.
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.
New walkers will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire prior to their first walk for insurance purposes. For most people, physical activity does not pose a risk, however if you have a medical condition, disability or are new to exercise, it would be wise to seek medical advice before starting.
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