Walking West Northamptonshire - WNC

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC's) Active Lives Team has a clear ambition: to inspire more people to walk regularly, especially those who do not currently include walking in their daily routine. The team aims to help individuals find their own motivation to walk.

To support this, they have created a regular programme of free, sociable group walks, led by trained volunteer walk leaders. West Northamptonshire offers many beautiful places to explore, including countryside, historic towns, villages, canals, and rivers.

These walks help local communities stay active and improve health and wellbeing.

The Benefits of Walking:

1. It is free and easy to do, and it is a low-impact activity
2. It can boost mood and improve quality of life
3. It helps prevent and manage heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term conditions
4. Every minute counts – even a 10-minute walk each day makes a difference
5. It can be social, reducing loneliness and isolation
6. It helps maintain independence, improves balance, and lowers the risk of falls
7. It is suitable for all ages
8. It is a great way to explore your local area
9. It burns calories, helping with weight control (about 100 calories per mile)
10. It is better for the environment than driving

To gain health benefits, aim to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes on most days. ‘Brisk’ means you can still talk but may feel slightly out of breath.

Walking is safe for most people, but anyone with a medical condition should check with their doctor before starting new exercise.

How to Become a Walk Leader

Become a walk leader Volunteer walk leaders help people in their community stay active and healthy. Free training and resources are available for those interested.

For more information, email the WNC Active Lives Team at [email protected].