Our health walk schemes
We have seven health walk schemes. Here are the details and links to their programmes.
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 spring programme for Dacorum (May - August 2009) (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 spring programme for Harpenden (May - August 2009) (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 spring programme for Hertsmere (May - August 2009) (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 spring programme for Hitchin (May - August 2009) (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.
Southern Country Park Health Walks
A new programme of regular walks is being developed at award-winning Southern Country Park, Moor Hall Lane, Bishop's Stortford. Walks are taking place this summer on fortnightly Thursday evenings at 7pm from the car park off Thorley Lane: 18th June; 2nd, 16th, 30th July and 13th and 27th August. 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 spring programme for St Albans (May - August 2009) (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 spring programme for Watford (May - August 2009) (pdf)