Our health walk schemes
We have seven health walk schemes. Here are the details and links to their programmes.
Bishop's Stortford Health Walks
A new programme of regular walks is being developed at award-winning Southern Country Park, Moor Hall Lane, Bishop's Stortford. Walks will be a grade 2-3 depending on the group on the day (around 30-60 minutes in duration, 2-3 miles long with moderate hills and possible stiles) and will take in the park and surrounding countryside.
Download the summer programme for Bishop's Stortford (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Bishop's Stortford (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Dacorum
Currently 27 volunteers lead walks from 10 regular start points, which take walkers through parks and countryside across the region. Each of these start points have a variety of routes for the leader to choose from, which more often than not end in a local café or pub for a cup of tea and a chat. With a walk being led six days a week and in some cases two walks to choose from, the scheme is very popular and there are over 1000 walkers on the register! In fact the scheme has proved so popular and successful that it received three hearts accreditation (the top award) from WHI in May 2006.
Download the summer programme for Dacorum (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Dacorum (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Harpenden
The Harpenden Health walks provide an excellent way of exploring the countryside around Harpenden and also areas of Wheathampstead, Gustard Wood and Redbourn. They also provide an excellent way of socialising, with a number of the walks finishing at the pub where walkers can sit down together for a drink and a chat.
A recent development with the Harpenden Health Walks scheme is the introduction of 'First Steps' walks, which have been organised for April 2008. 'First Steps' walks are approximately 30 minute long, on flat and even ground with no stiles and have regular stopping places. These walks are ideal for people who are just starting to undertake regular walking, who need to walk at their own pace or need regular rest stops.
Download the summer programme for Harpenden (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Dacorum (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Hertsmere
Hertsmere Health Walks currently have 12 active leaders with four walks operating each week from regular meeting points. The walks offer a variety of different routes through towns, parks and countryside and also offer the opportunity for a coffee afterwards.
Download the summer programme for Hertsmere (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Dertsmere (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Hitchin
We have 16 active, trained walk leaders running about 200 walks a year. Most are during the week but some are on weekends and summer evenings. Most of the walks start at pubs so there is ample parking and refreshments to come back to for those that want them.
There is a regular 'First Steps' walk using a local park and occasionally a walk where a nurse is available to take your blood pressure before and after the walk, so you can see the benefits immediately! The other walks are currently grade two or three. These take you into countryside on the edge of the town, including the areas around Oughtonhead Common, Charlton, Gosmore and Willian, which provide wonderful scenery.
Download the summer programme for Hitchin (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Hitchin (September - December 2010) (pdf)
St Albans
Currently 12 walk leaders lead three walks a week. There are two possible routes through Highfield Park but more are being developed for the future. One of the two routes is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies and after both walks there is the option for refreshments. Throughout the summer there will be walk from Westminster Lodge in Verulamium Park on a Wednesday evening.
Download the summer programme for St Albans (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for St Albans (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Watford and Three Rivers
There are now 15 volunteer walk leaders leading walks from several start points. Each start point offers a different experience - from a coached walking session at an athletics stadium in Watford to walks in the beautiful countryside around Croxley Green and Rickmansworth. Like its neighbouring scheme in Dacorum, the Watford & Three Rivers health walks received three hearts accreditation from WHI in May 2006.
Download the summer programme for Watford (May - August 2010) (pdf)
Download the autumn programme for Watford (September - December 2010) (pdf)
Other walks
We work with other organisations to help bring you walks closer to home.
Welwyn Garden City
Coordinated by Finesse Leisure, walks take place at award-winning Stanborough Park, off Stanborough Road in Welwyn Garden City. Walks start from the café/reception area at the south lake. Car parking is available but there is a charge. Ask for details of a reduced cost resident permit at the park reception.
For more information about the walks visit www.finesseleisure.com or contact Amanda Riches on 01707 276276.
Timetable of walks January to April 2010:
| Walks | Day/Time | Date | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanborough Park Meet at the café/reception area at the south lake | Monthly Saturdays 12.30am |
10th April 8 May 12 June 10 July 14 August 11 September 9 October 13 November 11 December | Grade 2-3 buggy friendly routes available Refreshments Public transport |
| Stanborough Park Meet at the café/reception area at the south lake | Weekly Wednesdays at 6pm | From 3rd March to 22nd September | Grade 2-3 buggy friendly routes available Refreshments Public Transport |
Cheshunt
Coordinated by the Borough of Broxbourne walks take place at two award-winning parks; Cedars, off Theobalds Lane and Cheshunt off Park Lane.
For a full timetable of walks please visit Broxbourne Health Walks
Stevenage
Along with Stevenage Borough Council, we're looking to start walks at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage. If you're interested in leading the walks please get in touch as we're looking for leaders now. Call 01462 459395 for more details of go to the 'Volunteers' page on our website via the link on the left.