Chester Health Walks   

the councils sport development team has just introduced a new way of inspiring its communities to become more active. To do this it is introducing a number of new walking groups around the city.

The walking groups' aim to bring local communities together whilst providing them with a way to help improve their fitness levels .  A large emphasis of each group is to socialise before, during and after the walk helping members to meet new people.

New

Walk Leader Training -

Western Cheshire PCT's active ageing project is hosting a walk leader training course on Thursday 17th July at New Scene Youth Centre.

The course is an all day course informing individuals about, risk assessments, group management, danger awareness and good practice when leading groups of people on walks. 

The course is free to participate on, if you wish to register your interest or want to find out more information please contact Dave Cotterell on 01244 650 383 or by email dave.cotterell@wcheshirepct.nhs.uk

If you are interested in leading any groups then please contact a member of the Sports Development Team on 01244 402273 or via email on sports@chester.gov.uk  

About the groups

Chester Health Walks have been designed to be accessible to all members of the community, hopefully cutting down potential barriers to participation.  All ages and abilities are encouraged to join as the groups are intended for those people who lead generally sedentary lifestyles. 

To join a walk all you need to do is turn up, fill in a health questionnaire and be prepared to meet new people.  Due to the range of abilities catered for in the group the average walk ranges between 1.5 - 4 miles but can be extended if there is a desire by the group.

The groups are all free to join!!  

 

 

Why Walking ??

Walking is an excellent way for people with lower levels of confidence or fitness levels to start improving their health.  Walking is a low impact activity allowing people with minor health issues to also take part, aiding in improving their health.

Walking can be used as a way of helping you to achieve the governments recommended target of moderate intensity physical activity which is, 5 times a week for a minimum of 30 mins at a time.    

It also has the following possible benefits;

• Helps reduce stress
• manage weight issues
• Improves Cardiovascular fitness
• provides a social platform
• cheaper than running a car
• better for the environment

For more information on the health benefits of walking please click here

 

Westminster Park group- Tuesday

Was the first group to be formed and has been well supported since starting in January 2008, receiving an average of 30 participants per walk. The group is based at the Westminster Park café where they start their weekly walks at 10:30.

Hoole group- Thursday

Hoole was the second area to host a walking group which started  28^th February 2008. The base for this group is the Bromfield Arms pub on Faulkner Street and the group will meet between 10:15 and 10:30. The pub will be open only to the walking group at the start of the walk as it is closed to the public till 11am.

Kingsway group- Friday

This group is aimed at the less mobile individuals and therefore most routes cover about 2 miles. The group meet at the Kingsway Cafe based at the Kingsway shops at 10:30. 

 

Please note - the above walking groups are for people for all abilities therefore the walks are at a limited distance.  If you are interested in more serious walking then please visit the local rambling group's pages on the link below.

For more information on Rambling groups please click here.

To see a programme of walks around Chester Please click here.

To find more walking routes around Chester please click here.

Chester City Council plans to introduce more walking groups around the area and if you have any comments or are interested in any of the groups mentioned please contact; Sports Development on 01244 402273 or via email on sports@chester.gov.uk.