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Councillor Mary Sheldon, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture is encouraging residents to improve their health by joining in a council organised walk.
Mary said: "Sometimes a walk in the fresh air is all that is needed to lift your spirit and get you back into exercising. If you are just getting started and do not want to do your walking alone, join our group of regular walkers. It will work wonders to keep you going and stay motivated. Our volunteers have been supporting the scheme since its launch, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and enthusiasm. They are very friendly, sociable and make everybody feel welcome. So don’t delay, join them now."
Elmbridge Healthy Walks celebrate their 11th anniversary on Monday 15 September between 10.30am and 7.30pm.
With a walk taking place nearly every day of the year, the Elmbridge Healthy Walks have made participants walk some 94500 miles since the scheme was launched in 2003. At that rate, they could have walked from London to Sydney, Australia, five-and-a-half times.
This seems quite a distance but with the Healthy Walks Scheme, we take it one step at a time and every step counts. Why not give it a go yourself and join one of the celebratory walks on Monday 15 September or jump on your bike to take part in the anniversary cycle ride:
10.30am to 12.30pm: Cycle Ride Molesey/Hampton Wick. Meet at Sadlers Ride car park, Molesey KT8 1ST
11.30am to 12pm: Short flat walk and 1.30pm to 2.30pm: Moderate flat walk on the towpath. Both leaving from the Xcel Leisure Complex, Waterside Drive, Walton on Thames KT12 2JG. Bring a picnic for lunch at Xcel from 12pm to 1.30pm.
6pm to 7.30pm: Slow walk on towpath to Chertsey Bridge
Meet in Public car park, Thames Court Hotel, Towpath, Shepperton TW17 9LJ
With the Healthy Walks Scheme, there is a wide range of walks available to many exciting local destinations, at the pace of your choice. Whether you are going back to walking after a few years or you are serious about your Nordic Walking, our team of dedicated volunteers will be with you every step of the way.
Walking is easy. You do not need any special equipment and it all counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week. It can be sociable in addition to improving your health. Join the Elmbridge Healthy Walks, explore your local area and meet new people.
For more information about the Healthy Walks Anniversary Celebrations, please contact the Health Development Officer on 01372 474574 or visit www.elmbridge.gov.uk/healthywalks