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Health Walks

What is a Health Walk?

A health walk is a short walk that aims to improve your health. Walking is the perfect activity because:

  • Almost everyone can do it
  • You can do it anywhere, anytime
  • You can meet new people
  • It’s FREE
  • You can do it at your own pace

Why Walk?

Walking is ideal exercise for everyone, especially if you haven’t done any activity for a while. Walking is a good activity because it;

  • Makes you feel good
  • Gives you more energy
  • Reduces stress
  • Helps you sleep better
  • Keeps your heart strong
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Helps with weight management

Who can go?

The walks are open to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you ran a marathon last week or haven't walked for 20 years - all are welcome. Qualified leaders lead the walks, with one at the front, and one at the back. Walkers can walk at their own pace, so there is no pressure to keep up with the people at the front. Where possible we have located the walks near to public transport links, and tried to put the led walks on at times when people are available.

What do I need to bring?

Not very much! Walkers need to wear a good pair of shoes that are comfortable, provide good support and don’t cause blisters.

Clothing needs to allow you to move freely, avoid tight fitting clothes. Lots of thin layers are always better than a few thick ones. Remember to check the weather forecast to see if you need a sun hat and cream, or gloves and an umbrella! A bottle of water is always advisable too.

Keeping Motivated

Here are 5 tips to keep you walking when things start getting a bit tough:

  1. Regularly walk with a friend – you can motivate each other when it gets hard
  2. Leave your walking shoes somewhere you will see them. They will remind you if you haven’t worn them and its time for a walk.
  3. Try to build walking into your daily life. Walk to the shops to buy the paper, park further from the office, or get off the bus one stop early.
  4. If you are feeling really down, take a look at how far you have come. Is it easier to climb the stairs now? Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy?
  5. Join a walking group, they will provide you with support and are an excellent way to see new places and meet new people.

 

When do the led-walks take place?

Health Walks are due to be re-launched this spring.

 

Buggy walks are currently taking place at the children's centres. To find out more, please contact your local children's centre.
Cranbrook Children's Centre: 01580 713296
Paddock Wood Children's Centre: 01892 713285
Little Forest Children's Centre, Sherwood: 01892 532319
Pembury Children's Centre: 01892 532319
Harmony Children's Centre, Rusthall: 01892 521284
The Ark Children's Centre, Broadwater: 01892 512680

How to Help...

We are also looking for volunteers to lead our walks. If you can spare 1 hour a month and enjoy walking why not become a volunteer walk leader?

 

Walk4Life Miles
Walk4Life's mission is to get everybody off the sofa and walking more! The Walk4Life miles project aims to deliver 2,012 waymarked one mile walking routes in local communities.
Tunbridge Wells have two, one mile walking routes. These can be found in Dunorlan Park and Calverly Park.
Visit your local park to find your nearest one mile route!

13 September - Walk4Life website is launched. www.walk4life.info provides a place where everyone can find a walk near to where they live. Some of these walks will be short walks, others will be Walk4Life Miles, which will be waymarked on the ground

Attachments

PDF IconTunbridge Wells Health Walks Acrobat/PDF 1.65MB

PDF IconTunbridge Wells Health Walks Poster Acrobat/PDF 354KB

Weblinks

  • Walking for Health Initiative
    The Tunbridge Wells Health Walks are part of this national programme aimed at getting more people active.
  • Short Circular Walks
    Take a short un-led walk in your local area, with routes designed by the Kent High Weald Project.
  • Welly Walks
    Explore the countryside around your local school, with routes designed by the Kent High Weald Project.
  • Explore Kent
    A Kent County Council project to encourage people to take regular walks and explore the Kent countryside. Includes maps, guides, and tips for beginners. Also includes information on visitor attractions, cycling, and horse riding.