Medway Health Walks

3rd January 2024

Medway Health Walks and the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks: Medway, believe that walking is the key to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Almost everyone can do it, no matter your age, income, gender or ability. It is the easiest and most accessible form of physical activity that can become part of your everyday life.

Medway residents are encouraged to try a group walk by joining our volunteer led walking program. There are a number of walking options from 10 minutes up to 90 minutes. You only need a pair of shoes and a fitness level appropriate to the walk you would like to join.

Each walk has a unique feel, whether it’s the distance, the terrain, the environment and we have developed a grading system to help you decide on the most appropriate walking group for you.

Here is Medway Health Walks link to website: Locations of Medway Health Walks and the Get Active webpage: https://www.medway.gov.uk/getactive

Top 6 Reasons local walkers have joined our Walking Program

1. We lead the route

You don’t have to rely on finding your way around a route when you have a walk leader doing it for you.

2. Improves your Mental Wellbeing

There’ll be people joining the group for the same reasons you are, whether it’s to get outside more often, enjoy their local greenspace and woodland, meet new people or to get fitter. Evidence shows that regular exercise can reduce the risk of depression, stress, and anxiety. Feeling more connected with your community can help promote positive steps to improving your wellbeing.

3. Improves your Social Health

The thought of walking for other an hour, on your own, could easily put you off. Committing to try a new activity such as a walking group and engaging with the community, you’re more likely to continue walking s part of a life style change. Walking can improve your social wellbeing and reducing isolation and loneliness.

4. Distraction from the pressures of day-to-day life

When you’re with a crowd of people adventuring around a new place, or discussing last week’s episode of Countryfile with your new walking buddy, you can easily cover more ground without even realising you’ve done so.

5. Encouragement and Physical Health

The thought of walking on unknown paths can seem challenging if you don’t know the terrain. Our walkers and walk leaders will already have a route planned and can advise you on what to expect on the route. Imagine the feeling of completing a new hill because someone distracted you with encouragement to keep going. Once you walked to the top, you will start to feel the physical health benefits that walking can offer, including, managing a healthy weight, strength muscles and reduce the risk of some serious conditions.

6. Friendship

One of the reasons some people join walking groups is to combat loneliness. By joining a walking group, you’re sure to find a friend.

To join a wellbeing health walk, or for more information about the programme, call us on 01634 333 720 or email walking@medway.gov.uk

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