Walking scheme extended in campaign to improve health

The Walking for Health project already has more than 200 members who have taken part in scores of walks in two Richmondshire towns, and it is now being extended to cover the vast majority of the district.

The initiative has run over 250 walks in Richmond and Catterick Garrison since it was created 12 months ago.

Funding has now been secured from the Richmondshire Local Strategic Partnership and from Easby Electronics to introduce the scheme across Richmondshire.

During the next 12 months, centres to promote the project will be established in Hawes, Reeth and Leyburn, and taster walks have already taken place in Catterick Village.

The scheme’s co-ordinator, William Gedye, said: “These walks are aimed at people who need exercise to improve their health, recover from illness, lose weight or to help prevent illness.

“They are steady one or two-mile strolls on easy terrain and give people a chance to enjoy the countryside and make new friends while improving their health.

“But to expand the programme we need more volunteer walk leaders in all these areas to help new walkers to benefit from the scheme.”

The project is accredited by Natural England, and it is run locally by the Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative.

Anyone wanting to join - as a walker or as a volunteer leader – can contact Mr Gedye on 07710 739192.