Welcome to the Stevenage Health Walks programme, part of a countywide scheme of free, led walks, which aim to help people get outdoors, get more active and reap the benefits of being more active.
Why walk?
Health walks are an ideal way of taking exercise, they are:
- Suitable for all ages and abilities local, short and free
- Sociable - walk in groups and meet new people
- Strengthen your heart, muscles and bones
- Good for your wellbeing – de-stress and increase your confidence.
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Accessible by public transport |
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Wheelchair / buggy friendly |
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Refreshments available during and / or after the walk |
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Our easiest walk, 20-30 minutes, flat and even ground, gentle pace, no stiles, regular stopping places |
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Easy walk, 30 minutes, gentle hills, no stiles |
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Easy / moderate walk, 45 minutes to 1 hour, moderate hills, no stiles |
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Moderate walk, 1 to 2 hours, moderate hills, faster pace, possible stiles |
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Moderate plus, 2 hours and above, possible steep inclines and stiles |
Getting started
- Are you ready to walk? Make sure you turn up 15 minutes before your first walk and fill in a simple medical form from your leader.
- You don’t need special equipment – just some comfortable shoes and waterproofs. We also recommend bringing a bottle of water.
- If you are in any doubt about joining a health walk contact your doctor and talk to the walk leaders about our specific needs at your first walk.
- In the interest of safety for all walkers, it has been decided that dogs (even those on leads) should not be brought along on the walks.
- Walkers receive 10% off hot drinks in Costellos Cafe after the Wednesday walks.
Timetable of walks
February to May 2013
In the event of severe or adverse weather conditions, please check with the listed contact if the walks will continue to take place. Please ensure you wear appropriate sturdy footwear (walking boots or good water proof shoes) for all longer walks.
What you need to know
- Start slowly and always walk at a pace you are comfortable with – you should still be able to chat to the person next to you!
- Brisk walking brings the most benefits (you will feel a little warmer and breathing a little harder).
- Current medical advice suggests you should aim to take moderate exercise for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week
- For information on getting to the walks via public transport call Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or log on to www.intalink.org.uk
Ready for the next step?
Contact us or visit the Countryside Management Service website to find out how to get copies of self-guided walking maps and find details of local walking groups and longer walks.
Get involved
We have lots of opportunities for volunteering with Hertfordshire Health Walks whether you are interested in leading, promoting or developing the walks. Get in touch or visit the website to find out more.
Find out more
If you don’t have a walk in your area and want to start your own let us know – we’re happy to come and talk to you and your community group or organisation about the benefits of walking and how to get started.
For more information about Stevenage Health Walks, contact Tricia Broadbridge 01438 230328, Pauline Smith 07983 557168 or Louise Gallagher 01438 242248 louise.gallagher@stevenage.gov.uk