Join a walk for wellbeing during the Festival of Winter Walks

The cold crisp days of winter are a magical time to go walking, with transformed scenery and spectacular early sunsets – it’s a great way to escape the demands of the festive season for a few hours too.

Plymouth Walking for Health group, Active for All, is inviting people to join them for their Winter Walk for Wellbeing on Wednesday 3rd January 2018.

The walk is part of the Ramblers’ free annual Festival of Winter Walks and is aimed at adults with a learning disability or mental health support needs.

Active for All, part of the charity Improving Lives Plymouth, are inviting people to join them for a choice of two free walks during the festival, on Wednesday 3rd January:

Walk 1 – meet at 11am at the Mayflower steps for a brisk(ish!) 2.5 mile walk to the Royal William Yard.

Walk 2 – meet at 1.45pm at the Column Bakehouse, Royal William Yard for a gentle 1.5 mile walk to the city centre

Or, make a day of it and come to both! Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

The walkers are also invited for a hearty soup lunch at the Column Bakehouse in between the walks from 12.30pm – 1.30pm where the group will be talking about their hopes, dreams and aspirations for 2018, which they can share on a special graffiti wall.

Larissa Milden, manager of the Active for All scheme said: “Winter is a wonderful time to get outdoors in the fresh air, for many people and the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks offers an easy way to head out for a winter wander.

“Our winter walk for wellbeing is not only great way to help kick start New Year fitness resolutions, but for people who might struggle with feeling particularly isolated over the festive period, it’s also a lovely way to spend time with other people and have a chat while you are walking and over a friendly, sociable lunch.

“Ours walks are open to anyone, no matter how fit you currently are, and our specially trained volunteers will be on hand to give you a warm welcome. Plus, you don’t need any fancy kit or specialist equipment. Who knows, what starts out as a one-off Christmas or New Year walk could lead to life-long friendships and a serious walking habit.”

Improving Lives Plymouth ‘s Active for All service offers free, short group walks throughout the year as part of Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walk schemes, delivered in partnership by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Their walks are perfect for those new to walking, and those who want to meet new people while keeping active. For more information and their full programme of walks, visit https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/improving-lives-plymouth-...

During the festival people can also enjoy the following range of free activities:

Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winter for details of hundreds of free group walks taking place across the country. From short, festive-themed strolls topped off with a sociable drink, to more strenuous stretches to help boost your energy levels, there’s a walk to suit everyone.
For inspiration on where to walk, download a Ramblers Route from our online library and head out for a solo stroll or a walk with family or friends
Sign up for Ramblers’ free online walk tracker to log your walks. Designed to suit both the seasoned walker and someone taking their first steps, there are lots of badges and rewards up for grabs for walking regularly, completing long distances and reaching particular milestones.

Thanks to the fantastic support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Festival of Winter Walks is helping everyone, everywhere to enjoy walking.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their Festival of Winter Walks, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking.”

For more information or to book your place, please contact Larissa Milden from Active for All on 01752 201891 or email larissa.milden@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk.