Health Walks
Sociable, achievable and with lots of health benefits . . . Walking is one of the best forms of exercise available and it’s free.
And if you join one of our local Health Walks you’ll gain the extra benefits of meeting other like-minded people enjoying the delights of the local area under the guidance of qualified walk leaders.
BTCV in Kent and East Sussex has been co-ordinating Health Walks around Hastings and Rother, in conjunction with the Primary Care Trust, since 2004. We now run regular events in Battle, Bexhill, Hastings and St Leonards and Rye.
Last January we launched a similar programme in Maidstone, supported by West Kent Primary Care Trust.
The walks are short – usually lasting between half-an-hour to an hour, in your local area, and are designed to follow easily accessible routes without steep hills or tricky terrains. With a guide at the front and the back, you can choose whether to set off at a brisk pace to work the muscles or amble along more slowly admiring the view. With organised events you are also guaranteed to have fellow walkers to keep you company, have a chat, and even give you peace of mind if you are nervous of venturing out alone.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer walk leaderclick here.
Why walk. . .
Regular walking and other types of physical activity can:
- Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
- Reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Protect against and combat high blood pressure
- Help prevent osteoporosis
- Improve mood, relieve depression and increase feelings of well-being
