Walking

Whether you're walking to work or to the shops, stepping out at lunchtime or taking the dog for a walk, walking can be simple to fit into your everyday life.

See Also:: Nordic Walking

Get Involved

An Overview of Walking

Walk Together this Spring!

82% of Leicestershire is classed as rural! This means we are fortunate to have some beautiful countryside and parks right on our doorstep. From Bradgate Park to Bosworth Battlefield, Sence Valley to Welland Park, there are many places to explore on foot. Over time, even a 10 minute brisk walk can have huge health benefits.

Autumn can be a fantastic season to explore our Leicestershire countryside, parks and open spaces by foot. Why? See below!

5 benefits of walking in spring:

Boosts mental health - Walking can have a positive effect on depression, bad mood, and anxiety problems. For example, walking helps distract you from negative thoughts and focus your attention on your surroundings. Moreover, walking can promote the production of endorphins in your body. Even a ten-minute brisk walk can work wonders for your mood.
Beautiful scenery - For a lot of people, the unmistakable daffodils, blossom, and unfurling flowers make it their favourite time of year to go for a health-boosting walk.
Vitamin D – Since sunlight is important for the production of vitamin D in our bodies, some people may experience a vitamin D deficiency during or after a dark winter. This can cause feelings of lethargy and fatigue, among other things. Now that the sun is shining longer in the spring, it's wise to go for a walk in daylight. Even on cloudy spring days, you can get a significant boost from this.
Boosts immunity – Walking outside in spring can wake up your immune system and decrease inflammation.
Explore new areas - The vast majority of our Walk Together groups walk all year round and explore different trails. Whether you prefer to walk in a group or self-guided, there's plenty to visit and see in Leicestershire!

Why not give it a go and join one of our Walk Together groups?

Walk Together offers a regular programme of free, sociable, and accessible group walks within Leicestershire and Rutland led by trained volunteer walk leaders. Walk Together is coordinated, developed and delivered via a partnership of Leicestershire Local Authorities and Active Together.

Walk Together guided walks are ideal for people who have done little to no exercise in the past. They vary in length from short to long walks, typically between 45 - 60 minutes, on well maintained, flat surfaces. Every walk encourages individuals to go at their own pace, and there will always be a Walk Leader to ensure no one is left behind.

Find out more about Walk Together here.

Benefits

It can be done anywhere and anytime
Regular walking can allow you to keep fit and meet new friends
Gives you more energy
Meet new people
Reduce stress, helping you to sleep better
Keeps your heart strong
Helps to maintain your weight
Helps to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
Reduces back pain
Keeps you motivated

Costs

Walk Together is a free walking programme.

Involvement

Active Together believe walking is for everyone and is most fun when shared with others. There are a number of beginners walking groups across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland offering beginner friendly walks, led by trained and insured Walk Leaders. To find a group near you, please click here

For more information about the benefits of walking and how to get started take a look at the helpful NHS walking guide.

Adaptations and Equipment

Walking is one of the most accessible physical activities out there - all you need to get started are a comfortable pair of shoes! There is no cost to exploring your local parks, areas and open spaces.