Health Walks

Worcestershire Health Walks

The Walking the way to Health Initiative (External Website) aims to improve the nation's health and well being by encouraging more people to become physically active through the simplest form of exercise, walking.

A health walk is a short, purposeful walk undertaken on a regular basis. Although walking at any speed can be beneficial and to be good for the heart should be 'brisk' (i.e. more than just a stroll),.

Walking Works

As well as improving physical health, organised walks can help improve mental wellbeing by providing an opportunity to socialise and a distraction from everyday stress.

If you find it difficult to get active, why not start walking? It's really easy to get started, you don't need any special equipment - and best of all it counts towards your recommended amount of physical activity.

Walking can improve your health, your happiness and, if you join one of our groups, it will give you the chance to explore the outdoors, get to know your local area and meet new people.

Worcestershire Walking Network

Health Walks are supported by the Worcestershire Walking Network is a partnership funded by Worcestershire County Council Countryside Service and the Public Health Department, NHS Worcestershire.

Its Steering Group also invites representation from the six District Councils across Worcestershire and the County Sports Partnership – Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The Network aims to provide a 'championship' forum for all those involved in promoting and supporting walking in Worcestershire for health gain.

It acts to raise awareness of the benefits of walking, and local walking for health schemes, to increase participation in active recreation, physical activity and sport. It also provides an opportunity for members to share good practice and offer support to one another.

Maybe you would like to become a health walk leader?

Volunteer Health Walks Leaders are specifically trained to lead health walks and health walks groups in Worcestershire.

There are several established health walks groups across Worcestershire in need of additional Health Walks Leaders or perhaps you are interested in setting up a new health walks group in your area.

Free training and support is available. To find a group near you, log on to Walking the way to Health Initiative (External Website) and use the 'walk finder' or contact Lynn Yendell, Health Walks Officer on 01905 768289 or email healthwalks@worcestershire.gov.uk