Walking to Health in South Gloucestershire is part of a national scheme supported by the British Heart Foundation designed to get sedentary people walking.
Benefits of walking
- You don't need special equipment, and it's low risk
- You burn as many calories when you walk a mile as when you run a mile (about 100 – it's true!)
- Regular walking helps prevent diabetes, bowel cancer, obesity and heart disease
- It makes you feel good and can help combat stress, anxiety and depression
- It's fun and it's free!
Dates
Health walks are held on:
- Monday mornings in Filton, Patchway and the Stokes
- Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Kingswood and surrounding areas
- Friday mornings in Yate, Sodbury, Dodington and Thornbury.
We also offer walks on Saturdays, evenings (during the summer) and occasional special events. For more details about health walks please download our weekly walk listings from the Read more area of this page. Details of rural walks, heritage walks and buggy walks are also listed here.
Grading of walks
Our health walks are graded A to D:
| A |
- 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile in length
- Uses flat and paved surfaces
- Suitable for people who are new to exercise, returning after injury or who have limited mobility
|
B |
- Up to 1 mile in length
- Uses paved, firm surfaces, may include some small 'ups and downs'
- Suitable for people new to exercise, returning after injury and those who like to walk at a steady pace
|
| C |
- Up to 2 miles in length
- Uses rougher paths, which may be uneven underfoot and include 'ups and downs'
- Suitable for people wanting to increase their fitness slightly
X Not for those with limited mobility (Unless stated)
|
D |
- 2 to 4 miles in length
- Uses rougher paths, may be uneven underfoot and include 'ups and downs'
- Suitable for slightly fitter walkers and those wanting to increase their fitness
X Not for those with limited mobility (unless stated)
|
Where possible all walks start at places offering toilets, parking and somewhere to return to after the walk for refreshments and a chat. All walks are led by trained volunteers and are organised by the project team, which consists of a co-ordinator and two staff.
You are welcome to bring dog(s) as long as they are kept on the lead. Very occasionally we may ask people not to bring their dogs, however this would only happen if we were planning a special walk, like a nature trail, or if the walk may be unsuitable for dogs due to cattle, conditions, etc.
Walk leaders
We are always looking for people who have good ideas for a walk or who would like to lead one – we will give you training and expenses. Contact us for more information.