Celebrate Devon Walking for Health Week
People all over Devon are putting their trainers, shoes and boots on and taking to the streets and pathways of their towns and villages in celebration of Devon Walking for Health Week from 13th-19th April.
Walking for Health is a successful national partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ramblers to promote walking as a free, fun and inclusive form of regular exercise for all ages. Although walks happen every week all around Devon, the Celebration Week focuses on nine established walks from Tavistock to Silverton where walkers will be winding through their local streets encouraging people to join them.
Active Devon in partnership with local organisations and supported by Public Health Devon are developing the local initiative. Walking for Health is seen as a key component to realising Active Devon’s vision of Everyone in Devon Active for Life.
“Regular walking is such a simple, free and easy step to better health” said Matt Evans, Chief Executive of Active Devon.
“We are passionate about showing that walking is completely inclusive and can really transform lives for the better. Our Walking for Health Celebration Week is about highlighting the many health and wellbeing benefits that everyone can enjoy as a result of a regular short walk. They are great ways of meeting people and enjoying the scenery right on your doorstep. We would really encourage people to give them a go”.
Walking for Health is England’s largest network of health walk schemes, offering free short walks across the country to help people lead a more active lifestyle. Each local scheme is accredited by Walking for Health to ensure quality of experience and walks are categorised by walking time and gradient so that everyone can ensure they join a walk that is suitable for their current activity level.
“Walking for Health has ticked every box for me in terms of all round health benefits” said Jill, a regular Walking For Health walker. “People have inspired me in many ways to care for others emotionally and physically. This is a very supportive group, helping people to overcome their health issues. The special celebration walks are a great chance to come and meet the volunteers, join in and see if it’s for you. Everyone is very friendly and you are always welcomed with a smile”.
With high profile celebration walks happening in Ilfracombe, Axminster, Silverton, Barnstaple, Tavistock, Kingsbridge, Exeter and Exminster there are lots of opportunities for people to join in and discover how walking can benefit them.
“In the words of Hippocrates, 'Walking is a man's best medicine’," said Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.
"And the wonderful thing about it is that it is free to do, and so accessible for so many people. Through the Walking for Health schemes there is a huge variety of levels and locations to suit people with mobility problems, wheelchairs or buggies, or for those who want to challenge themselves more. Rooftops week is all about celebrating the benefits of walking to mind, body and soul, and about getting out and enjoying the best of what Devon has to offer.”
To find your local health walk scheme offering a celebration walk visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
