Active Lifestyles - Walking to Health
Walking for Health provides short, safe, sociable and free walks in East Hampshire.
The walks are generally one or two miles, and can be completed within an hour. All walks are led by trained Volunteer Walk Leaders who encourage and support anyone taking part.
All walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace which helps to make these walks particularly suitable for those new to exercise or returning to exercise following an illness or an injury.
The National Scheme
The local Walking for Health Scheme is affiliated to the national Walking for Health Initiative, currently coordinated by Natural England. Natural England currently support over 600 local walking schemes and contribute to improving the health of over 60,000 regular walkers.
Walking to Health in East Hampshire
The local Walking to Health scheme was set up in 2000 from a partnership between East Hampshire Primary Care Trust, the Forestry Commission, East Hampshire District Council and Havant Borough Council. The Active Lifestyles Coordinators at East Hampshire District Council now support the local Walking for Health Scheme.
Walking to Health Training Opportunities
The local Walking to Health scheme relies on volunteers to go with walkers and encourage them on pre-planned routes.
All walk leaders have completed one day's free training provided by EHDC's Active Lifestyles Coordinators which ensures that all walk leaders can run a safe Walk for Health.
Walking Opportunities across Hampshire
Hampshire County Council has its own dedicated walking pages which provide further information about walking oppportunities across the whole of Hampshire.
Hampshire County Council also provide interactive Rights of Way maps which allow you to identify local footpaths, bridleways and byways in Hampshire. A very useful tool when planning walks in your local area.