A series of free guided walks which are part of the new national Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme has been launched across Cumbria.
Wellbeing Walks encourage people to get out and about in their community and explore their local area. All walks are led by dedicated walk volunteer leaders and are short, over easy terrain and provide a safe environment to meet new people and make new friends whilst moving more and increasing physical activity at a pace suited to the individual.
The launch of the new season walks coincides with National Walking Month, which takes place from May 1 to 31.
Research shows that a daily brisk 10-minute walk can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time it can also help lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The Wellbeing Walks programme is accessible for all, and some routes have wheelchair access. In many cases walks start and finish in the heart of towns and villages making it easy for everyone to join.
Active Cumbria, part of Cumbria County Councils Public Health Team is coordinating the Cumbria programme with walks taking place regularly across the county. The programme is supported by Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council.
Active Cumbria development officer and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks coordinator for Cumbria, Aileen Grant said: “Ramblers Wellbeing Walks was previously known as Walking for Health and has always been well received in Cumbria. These low-level guided walks take place in the heart of our communities and are a great way for people to explore the surroundings on their doorstep.
“We know that walking is one of the most popular and accessible ways to be active and we are delighted to be coordinating the Wellbeing Walks in Cumbria and supporting the fantastic team of volunteer walk leaders delivering the programme on the ground.”
Chair of Active Cumbria Advisory Board, Lorrainne Smyth, said: “Our vision is for everyone in Cumbria to be enjoying an active lifestyle. The Wellbeing Walks programme provides a welcoming and accessible pathway offering people in our communities, particularly older adults and those with long term health conditions, opportunities to improve their lives through physical activity in a way which suits them and their ability.”
Details of walks taking place in Cumbria can be found easily by using the activity finder search tool on the Active Cumbria website which can be found at www.activecumbria.org.uk
You can also visit the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks website at https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/wellbeing-walks.
