We are an entirely voluntary group born out of the Walking for Health movement, whose roots go back to the early 1980s. The Movement recognised that regular walking is beneficial to health and is accessible to most people to do anywhere and at anytime.
Although our Group in its present form has been functioning independently since April 2021, our history dates back to April 2005 when the first walk took place in Holsworthy following a route that still features regularly on our programme today. This was lead by the Groups very first leader, David Arney who had already been walking with the Bude Walking for Health group since 2002. David went on to manage the Group very successfully for a number of years subsequently, and we are indebted to all the hard work he carried out during that period.
Our aim is to provide weekly led walks to encourage people to get into the habit of walking, for the betterment of their health and wellbeing.
You may have a number of questions about out Group, click/touch on any of the headings below for answers:
Why is walking good for you??
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
Why walk in groups?
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.
Do you offer walks to meet different levels of ability?
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.
When and where do you Walk?
- 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.
Health and Safety?
- 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.
How much does it cost and how do I join?
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, either download a form here, or email us to receive a form by email, perhaps with further information.