Walking for Leisure and Health
What are Health Walks?
- Walking is a great form of exercise.
- It can be incorporated easily into everyday life, regardless of
how fit or how old you are.
- Walking is especially important for those with specific health
problems or with very limited fitness.
- It can also play a major role in helping maintain a good level
of fitness and keeping illness at bay.
- What’s more, it’s free.
What are the main benefits of walking
regularly?
- Regular walking can improve confidence, stamina, energy
and help control your weight.
- It can also keep your heart strong and reduce the risk of
coronary heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure,
bowel cancer and osteoporosis.
How much should you do?
- It is recommended that you aim to build up to 30 minutes of
brisk walking, five times a week.
- You are encouraged to walk at your own pace, but at a pace that
makes your heart beat a little faster and your breathing a little
quicker.
Guidelines for dog owners
To ensure that walks are enjoyed by walkers, dog owners and
dogs alike please follow these simple guidelines:
- dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs.
Therefore, please ensure that your dog is under close control when
near livestock and amongst a group of walkers;
- if conditions are suitable for dogs to be off the lead please
ensure that they remain close to you and do not run back and forth
through a line of walkers.;
- please ensure that your dog does not cause a nuisance at the
start or end of the walk;
- dogs need water as well as humans when out for a walk. Don’t
forget to provide for them, too; and
- please clean up after your dog.
For more information please contact Sports and
Development on 01653 600666 ext. 260.