Walk leaders and walkers will gather outside King's Lynn Library on Friday (4 May 2012) with Activity Co-ordinator Jackie Squires to launch this summer's programme of Fit Together healthy walks, which has been developed in conjunction with Active Norfolk.
The programme, which details walks taking place between 8 May and 7 September, features some new walks, such as the 'Up with the lark' walk in Wolferton and the 'Coastal path walk to Burnham Norton', along with firm favourites including the Bunker's Hill walk in Houghton and the Old Hunstanton picnic walk.
Activity Co-ordinator Jackie Squires, said: "This programme of walks is designed to encourage people to make walking part of their healthier, more active lifestyle. We have walks for beginners or those who are perhaps less mobile, through to more challenging walks for those who are more mobile or are already walking regularly.
"Each walk is free and is lead by one of our trained volunteer walk leaders, who are responsible for making sure that new walkers are made to feel welcome and that their walking experience is a positive one."
68-year-old Jim Ellis became a walk leader after deciding to do something different with his life. He gave up smoking, signed up for the walk leader training and hasn't looked back since. He believes that the social side of walking is just as important as the exercise and has thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people.
Mandy Orchard decided to train as a volunteer walk leader after completing a Do Something Different Course in Fairstead. She now leads a Fit Together healthy walk in Fairstead every Tuesday morning at 10.30am. Mandy feels mentally and physically fitter than before and has gone on to do more volunteering work with MIND and has even taken on her own allotment.
Jackie Squires continued: "Walking at any pace has positive benefits on people's mental and physical health, whether it helps people manage their weight, reduce their stress or simply sleep better. Our walk leaders are testimony to that, and without their help, these walks would not be possible, so I would like to thank them for their commitment and enthusiasm."
The new Fit Together healthy walks programme can be picked up in doctors' surgeries and from libraries across West Norfolk. Alternatively, it can be found through the Active Norfolk website at www.activenorfolk.org/fittogether.
Anyone wishing to take part will need to complete a simple outdoor health questionnaire before their first walk and then they can attend any walk in the future - no booking required unless otherwise stated.
