Walk your way to health and wellbeing

Being more active is good for us all, in so many ways. But that doesn’t mean we all have to go to the gym or take part in a competitive sport – there are lots of ways to get moving. Recently we talked about dancing, today we’re going to look at walking.  

“I’m walking on sunshine and don’t it feel good”

Walking is excellent for the body; it’s also balm for the soul. There’s nothing quite like a wander in a beautiful green space on a sunny day to revive both body and mind and cheer the spirits.

So, one fine day soon, just enjoy a wander around one of the small woodlands, parks, pools, or local nature reserves near you. Whether it’s springtime flowers, birdsong, clouds scudding by making fantastic shapes, autumn leaves and colours, a view of the magnificent Wrekin, interesting buildings, a monument to a local figure or historical event, we can guarantee something is always bound to catch your interest.  

“You’ll never walk alone”

Unless you want to. If it’s company you want, or if you’ve always wondered where that path goes but don’t fancy walking it on your own, there are many organised walking groups that will only be too delighted to show you around.

All over the Borough every week there are free Ramblers Wellbeing Walks on offer, usually starting from a local landmark such as a local shopping or community centre. They have walks of different lengths and pace from a leisurely short stroll to striding out for up to 90 minutes, all with trained friendly leaders.

If you want to build up your fitness gradually or meet some new friends and neighbours, this is an excellent way to get started and there’s no chance of getting lost on your way to finding out just where that footpath goes. 

Or you can always enjoy exploring in your own time and pace. The Telford T50 50 Mile Trail is divided into sections from about 1.5 miles upwards, linking together all our green spaces, local nature reserves and important sites of scientific interest and World Heritage Sites. And if you are looking for something shorter, there’s also a series of 23 circular Coronation Walks you can try.

The Trail is designed to be accessible on foot or by public transport from nearly every locality in Telford and was put together by the best experts: people who live in and really know their own local places.

“The best things in life are free”

Walking requires no special kit or skills. Many cross-borough trails that link to local parks and nature reserves are wheelchair and pushchair accessible too, such as long stretches of the Silkin Way into the Town Park, so all the family can enjoy them together. Like anything else in life, the trick is to get started, so if you’re wondering where and when to take the first steps why not visit these Facebook pages and websites:

• Telford and Wrekin Walking for Health – Facebook
• The Telford T50 50 Mile Trail – Facebook
• The Telford & Wrekin Walking for Heath website
• General walking information and advice – Telford & Wrekin Council 
• A list of the local nature reserves in Telford & Wrekin

Want to learn more about improving your health and wellbeing?