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Health Walks

Walking for Health is a national initiative - a partnership between the Ramblers Association and Macmillan Cancer Care - working towards encouraging physical activity for everyone.

We want to encourage people from all walks of life to come and enjoy our programme, especially those people who are doing very little or no exercise at present.

The walk programme is a gentle way to begin to exercise. All walks are led by a trained walk leader and have a back marker, so no matter what your pace you can join in our friendly walks.

You can find out more information on the scheme by visiting the Walking for health website.

Health benefits of walking

Walking has a number of health benefits. These include:

• providing a sense of wellbeing and lifting the spirits
• boosting the body’s immune system
• increasing the strength of your heart and lungs
• weight loss
• lowering blood pressure
• reducing the risk of strokes
• promoting mental well being through socialising with others.

Getting the most from Health Walks

Before taking part in one of the walks, please inform the walk leader of any health problems, check with your doctor that it is alright for you to take part. You will be asked to fill in a simple health form before your first walk so that the walk leader is aware of any health issues you may have. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to complete this form.
Here are a few things to remember before coming along to one of our walks:

• the walks leave on time so arrive in plenty of time to park and register before the start of the walk
• the walk leader will advise of any hazards on the route, but you are responsible for your own health and safety
• wear suitable clothing for the weather
• in hot weather bring a drink of water
• walk at a pace which makes you feel a little out of breath but still able to talk easily
• if you are likely to need assistance on the walk, please bring a friend or carer with you
• the walk leader will set the pace for the group. The back marker will walk at the pace of the slowest walker
• please tell one of the leaders if you wish to leave the walk or feel unwell
• dogs are welcome on all of the walks, but they must be kept on the lead at all times and to stay near the back of the walking group to avoid any trips
• please sign out at the end of the walks.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the council by emailing healthwalks@basingstoke.gov.uk or by phoning 01256 845284.

Walkers' own risk assessment

Risk assessments are carried out on the routes and every possible care is taken by the walk leaders to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable walk. Please listen to the walk leaders briefing at the start of the walk which will alert you to any hazards along the route.

When crossing roads please observe the Highway Code at all times, crossing at the safest point and keeping to the footpaths where possible. The walks are undertaken at your own risk.

Weekly walks programme

Monday walks

Tuesday walks

Wednesday walks (daytime and evening)

Wednesday evening winter wonderland walks

Thursday walks

Friday walks

Sunday walks