Residents living in and around Martock are being encouraged to join two enthusiastic new volunteers for a free health walk around the town.
Maggie and Peter Ludbrook recently set up the monthly walking group after completing one of the free Health Walk Leader Training days offered by South Somerset District Council.
Caroline Bennett from the Our Place Martock Project Team was one of the walkers taking part in the group’s first walk in October. Caroline commented: “Our first walk was a breath of fresh air! A circular walk taking in the Church, fields to Bower Hinton and Martock Rec.
“Martock health walks are a great opportunity to enjoy a local walk that is relaxed and friendly. Wonderful and trained volunteers Maggie and Peter lead the walk at a pace comfortable for everyone with walks approximately 45minutes long. Our next walk will take place on Friday 20th November meeting 9.30am at the Precinct in Martock. Everyone is welcome to come along.”
The new Martock Health Walk group forms part of South Somerset District Council’s successful health walks scheme which has received national accreditation from Walking for Health.
Charlie Coward, Healthy Lifestyles Officer at South Somerset District Council explained more about the benefits of health walks: “Regular walking is a great way to meet new people and explore the beautiful countryside we have on our doorstep. The health benefits of walking are numerous and it has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers.
“Health Walks are proving popular in the district and, to make it easier for residents to find their nearest walk, we now produce a directory three times a year. The current directory includes fourteen different walking groups across the district and caters for a variety of abilities.”
Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council said: “Volunteers such as Maggie and Peter are crucial for the health and well-being of our communities.
“The fact that our scheme has received Walking for Health accreditation means that people can take part in our walks with confidence. Our health walks are sustainable and enable people to explore their local countryside whilst becoming more active and sociable in a safe environment.”
To find out more about health walks in South Somerset, or to view a copy of the directory online, visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/healthwalks.
For full details and further information about Martock health walks contact Charlie Coward on 01935 462347 or Caroline Bennett on 07946 121612.