About Us

Legs are made for walking so it is a natural form of exercise that can help to keep you healthy. Here are just a few things that walking can do for you :

• Help your heart and lungs work more efficiently 
• Keep your weight in check
• Lower your blood pressure 
• Lighten your mood
• Keep muscles, joints and bones strong
• Increase your level of ‘good’ cholesterol 
• Our walks are graded into levels 1, 2 and 3 so that you can choose which option is the most appropriate.

It has also been proven that regular walking can reduce the risk of some diseases and conditions, such as :

• Heart disease 
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Certain cancers

Whilst we recognise that exercise is good for us, enthusiasm can quickly wane, especially If we are walking on our own. Walking with a small group has a number of benefits:

• You will make new friends.
• Groups encourage and motivate each other.
• You might discover new local areas.
• Indeed, you may go into areas that you might not venture into on your own.
• Experienced leaders who know the route will ensure you have an enjoyable walk.
• Our walks are graded into levels 1, 2 and 3 so that you can choose which option is the most appropriate.

Oh yes we do…and you can choose each week which level walk to join

• Level 3 – These are our more challenging walks and are approx. 3 miles each, taking about 90 minutes to complete. They can take in steeper inclines, rough tracks and may include stiles and steps.
• Level 2 – These are moderate level walks lasting from 60-90 minutes over less challenging terrain. Whilst some steps may be included, we try to avoid stiles and rough ground.
• Level 1 – These are sometimes referred to as our ‘Walk in the Park’ because they are based in Stanhope Park, Holsworthy, where we use the hard surfaced track which runs around the perimeter. These walks are aimed at people who have perhaps not walked much recently, or are recuperating following illness. The walks last up to 30 minutes and there are benches along the track for those in need of a short break. Tea and coffee are usually available after the walk.

Both levels 2 & 3 usually include an element of ‘brisk’ walking which makes you breathe a little faster, feel a little warmer and have a slightly faster heart beat. This will not be too fast, so you will still be able to talk.

• Level 2 & 3 Walks (moderate and ‘more chalenging’) take place every Friday starting at 10.30 am from differing locations in the area. For further information, please scroll/swipe down, or select the ‘Current Walks’ option from the menu.
• Level 1 Walks (shortest) take place every Monday at 10.30 am and start from the Youth Centre in Great Oak Meadow, by the Primary School.

• Every effort is made by the walk leaders to ensure that walks are safe, but anyone who comes on the walks must accept liability for their own safety and cannot hold the leaders, or the Group, liable in the event of an accident.
• Footwear – Walking boots or shoes are are recommended, but wellington boots are suitable, especially during wet conditions.

We do not charge a membership fee so nobody will be excluded from the Group on cost grounds.

Our running costs are entirely covered from fundraising and donations. To help with fundraising, we have recently joined up with the ‘easyfundraising’ shopping scheme. This enables you, whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday- to raise free donations for the group. There are over 4000 shopping websites ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.

All you have to do is :

• Go to https//easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/holsworthywandt/   and join for free.  
• Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
• After you have checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Holsworthy Walk & Talk at no extra cost to you whatsoever!

So, if this appeals all you need to do is to complete a simple membership form, which will be given to you by a walk leader when you attend your first walk. Alternatively, download a form here, or email us to receive a form to your inbox, with further information.