Health group has clocked up a fab 1000 walks

A popular walking group has now gone on 1000 advanced walks since 2005.

Blairgowrie and District Next Steps Walking Group, one of the first health walking groups in Scotland, has also gone on 650‘easy’walks since 2004.

At the end of last year, the group celebrated by taking a short trip to Glenderby in Kirkmichael.

Collectively, the group has walked nearly 102,000 kilometres (63,000 miles) and climbed 3900km.

On average, the group walks just over 10km, including 400 metres of ascent.

A spokesperson said:“The goal is not to be‘nothing-butstrenuous’, but to allow inclusion of most abilities and to encourage people, where necessary, to explore new things and extend personal boundaries with new experiences, with most of the hills and treks being done more than a few times too.

“Within the group’s activities, members have also undertaken numerous NGB standard first aid courses, run the Blairgowrie Walking Festival, and helped the Blairgowrie community markets as a fundraiser.

“While obviously the leader has been involved in everything collectively done, it wouldn’t have been possible without the many loyal participants who keep coming back for more, so a big thank you and congratulations to all.

“Further thanks go to Sue Cole, who watches in the background, does fundraising and back office support (as well as the town walks on a Wednesday), and combined with Charlie Davidson has helped move the minibus to allow our linear activities.

“All the advanced and adventurous activities have been achieved since summer 2007, making it one of the most ambitious and successful hillwalking groups across the UK, let along Scotland.

“And making it even more impressive is that the average age of the group is just over 70, and 65 per cent of them are female.”