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.
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
Health Walks in Ashford
The Ashford Health Walk takes place every Friday morning from The Singleton Environment Centre.
The group meets at 10am, returning for an optional coffee and chat in the centre's Footprints restaurant afterwards.
There are usually two walks, one lasting up to one hour and also a longer walk in the local area. Walking boots are advisable for both walks. With a trained guide, 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.
To take part just turn up at The Singleton Environment Centre in Wesley School Road, Ashford on Friday or for more information you can contact Peter or Sophie via The Singleton Environment Centre office on 01233 666 519 .
Weekly programme
Friday 10am. Singleton Environment Centre. Meet inside the centre.
Health Walks in Maidstone
BTCV in Kent and East Sussex has been co-ordinating Health Walks since 2004 and has a regular 3-day programme of four walks in Maidstone, supported by West Kent Primary Care Trust.
The walks are short – usually lasting between half-an-hour to an hour, in the 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 leader contact walks co-ordinator Paula Hubens on 01424 446395 or email p.hubens@btcv.org.uk
Weekly programme
Tuesday 10.30am. Mote Park. Meet outside park cafe.
Tuesday 1pm. Park Wood. Meet by Healthy Living Centre, Wallis Ave.
Wednesday 12.20pm. Cherry Orchard. Meet at Tarragon Road roundabout.
Thursday 11am. Maidstone Town Centre. Meet outside Town Hall, Bank St.
