Walks lead the way to healthier lifestyles
A walker from Stirling has been sharing her love for a Health Walk initiative as 650 group walks aimed at boosting health and wellbeing restart throughout Scotland.
Paths for All’s Health Walks help individuals improve their fitness and wellbeing whilst bringing together communities and building relationships.
Information on the free walks is available via an online map detailing when and where they take place as well as information about how to join them. Over 650 walks take place each week, from Shetland to the Scottish Borders.
Health Walks have been endorsed by leading health experts such as Professor
Jason Leitch who is encouraging people across the country to go along.
Helen, aged 80, from Stirling joined the Health Walk group after spending several months caring for her ill husband before he passed away. She has since made many memories and relationships which have lifted her spirits ever since.
She added: “Since joining the Health Walk group I’ve seen and felt a big improvement to my mobility and general quality of life.
“Walking most weeks has helped me become much stronger and my stamina has got better. I used to struggle going up the stairs but now it just feels like a normal activity again which I am delighted about.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out doing something I enjoy and exploring my local area – it will be a great change of routine.
“Being back on familiar paths in the glorious countryside, seeing an abundance of red squirrels from the Aberfoyle Lodge Hide, and having a coffee with new friends outside in the sunshine – what more could you want?”
The walks are a short, low-level and local activity led by trained volunteers and are open to all in communities across Scotland.
Health Walks happen weekly, welcoming everyone of all ages and experience to join. The walks are free, short and friendly to all.
Helen Morrison, Senior Development Officer at Paths for All, said: “It is great to hear of individuals benefiting from our Health Walks.
“Our Health Walk projects and volunteers are ready and excited to welcome new walkers along to their local walk and reap the social, mental and physical health benefits from getting outdoors and exercising with a group of local people.
“Each walk is led by a trained volunteer following Covid-19 government guidelines, and we hope this will provide those who don’t yet feel completely comfortable in getting out and about again the reassurance they need.
“If you haven’t been active in a while and are looking for some support to get moving, or you’ve missed connecting with people and are looking for some company, our Health Walks are a great place to start.
“You’ll be sure to receive a warm welcome from our walk leaders.”
For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk