IMPORTANT: PLEASE TELEPHONE SARAH ON (01963) 31842 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AS DETAILS OF WALKS MAY CHANGE

What is a Health Walk?
Health Walks promote walking as an achievable, non-competitive and enjoyable way to improve health and increase physical activity.  There are a variety of walks to accommodate absolute beginners to the more experienced.  They are a great way to increase your fitness levels, enjoy local natural spaces and meet new people.  The walks are all free of charge and are led by either Balsam Centre staff or Volunteers, all are trained Health Walk Leaders.

Which walk is right for me?
There are different types of Health Walks designed to accommodate a range of walking experiences and fitness levels, these are described in more detail below;

Skedaddle!
Walks undertaken as part of this group are ideal for those new to or who have had a break from undertaking regular exercise and for those with limited mobility/ fitness.  The walks will depart from the Balsam Centre at 10am on Monday mornings and will take between 20 minutes and 1 hour.  These walks can be altered to accommodate the requirements of individuals.  Walks end in time for the Balsam Centre Coffee morning and walkers are invited to stay
on to relax and socialise.  These walks are a great way to kick start the week!

Balsam Walking Group
These walks are aimed at those who have a reasonable level of fitness and are comfortable with walking.  The location and level of the walks vary from week to week. Walks are separated into short (1-1.5hrs) and long walks (1.5-3hrs).  To help you decide which walks are suitable for you a description of each walk is provided.

Buggy Walks
These walks are all suitable for people with buggies and young children.  They are led by the Balsam Centre Family Support Worker.  Please contact the Centre to find out the dates and times.

How do I join a Health Walk?
We ask all walkers to complete a simple registration form prior to their first Walk.  This form can be completed at the start of your first walk or you can drop into the Centre and complete a form prior to your walk.  Walks are free of charge and once you have registered you can join any in the programme.  We advise you contact the Balsam Centre and book on to the Health Walk you are interested in.  This will enable us to inform you if there is a cancellation or a change of location.

We advise that you only attend walks that you feel fit enough for and if you have any doubts about your fitness level join the supported walking group initially.  If you have not participated in much exercise recently or are worried about your health, please make sure you check with your Doctor before increasing your physical activity levels.

Please wear practical clothing and comfortable footwear which provides support and is waterproof.  For longer walks please bring drinking water.  An adult must accompany children under the age of 16.  Some walks may not be suitable for very young children.  Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on these walks.

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