New health walk in Bridgnorth launched for national walking month

The Severn Strollers Walking for Health scheme is launching a new walk in Bridgnorth as part of National Walking Month in May.

The new walk starts on Friday 4 May, from the Community Hub, Parish Rooms on St Johns Street at 10:30am, and every Friday.  This is a gentle walk suitable for all abilities.

The Walking for Health scheme, supported by Shropshire Council, is an accredited scheme under the national Walking for Health initiative, whose aim is to encourage more people to become physically active in their local communities.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for active and helathy lifestyles, said:

“Walking is such a great way to enjoy regular exercise, to meet new people and have fun at the same time.  Incorporating walking into our daily routine can bring great health benefits for people of all ages.”

William Parr, a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said:

“This is an excellant opportunity for anyone who enjoys walking for health or fitness benefits to enjoy Bridgnorth as part of the national Walking for Health scheme with the Severn Strollers.”

Christian Lea, also a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said:

“This new walk is an ideal opportunity for people with an hour or two to spare to get out and get active this spring and to make some new friends at the same time.”

Full details of all Shropshire health walks can be found at www.walkingforhealth.org.uk or by calling the Walking for Health team on 01743 255059.

Further information 

Walking for Health (WfH) is the largest national body promoting and setting the standards for led health walks. 

WfH aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise or live in areas of poor health.  The initiative has helped to create 590 local health walk schemes across England and has trained over 40,000 Volunteer Walk Leaders.  We support schemes through training for walk leaders, advice on setting up a new scheme, insurance, evaluation and free leaflets to help promote walking. 

Our health walks are free to participants and provide an easy way of getting regular exercise.  There is compelling evidence of the benefits of moderate physical activity.  Those who exercise enjoy greater life expectancy with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colonic cancer and osteoporosis.  Walking can also be a catalyst for connecting people with many other aspects of health, such as healthy eating, stopping smoking and relaxation. 

Many WfH health walk schemes have their own webpage on the WfH Walk Finder, displaying details of their walks and how to get involved.