Derbyshire Dales Walking for Health Scheme

The first walking group was started from the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell in the summer of 2004 by the District Council.   The walks differ from the ranger service led walks in that they are shorter and are specifically aimed at getting people who do little or no exercise to do some.  Led by trained walk leaders the walks are tailored to encourage people to undertake a brisk walk of approximately one hour in length with the specific aim of raising the activity levels and stamina of individuals who have not participated in exercise for some time.  The walks have now been extended to Matlock, Wirksworth and Ashbourne and a second group in Bakewell has been established.

The walks take place Tuesday to Friday across the district and a bi-monthly programme of walks is produced.  In most cases an all-important coffee stop is included at some point along the way. New walkers are always welcome to join and should contact Karen Carpenter on the contact details below to join our mailing list for the programmes or check the start venues for the week.  Alternatively you can download a copy of our walks programme from the link below.

Download Walks Programme

Alternatively email healthpromotion@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

To find out more about the Walking for Health Initiative click on the link below

Walking the way to health: Welcome to WHI

WHI is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency. It benefits from extra funding from the big lottery fund. The Initiative aims to improve the health and fitness of more than a million people by 2005. The initiative started in England in October 2000.

Do you want to become a volunteer walk leader?

Schemes such as this rely on local people who are willing to commit a few hours to help with leading the walking groups.  If you feel willing and able to undertake a one day walk leader training course followed by basic first aid training then please contact Chris or Karen on the contact details below. Without such volunteers the project may not be sustainable and the social and health benefits of gentle exercise will be lost to those people who need it most.

Karen Carpenter 01629 761316 karen.carpenter@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

Walk Leader Forms