Eleven new walks are set to start across Annandale and Eskdale over the next week thanks to local volunteers training to become walk leaders.
Over 60 volunteers have received training across the region to deliver free local walks to people of all abilities. Thanks to funding from Paths for All, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Wellbeing team have provided 6 training sessions from walk leader, pole walking and strength and balance training. The walks are not only important in terms of physical wellbeing, they also provide a very valuable social opportunity for people to get together.
The walks are as follows;
Stroll in the Park – Low level walks aimed at anyone who is living with or recovering from a long-term condition, or who may have limited mobility. Ideal for anyone wishing to continue their recovery or maintain a level of fitness by means of developing strength and balance, confidence and enjoying being part of a group of like-minded people in the beautiful surroundings.
Lockerbie
Mondays 1.30pm
Leaving from Eskrigg Nature Reserve Car Park (entrance from West Acres)
Starts 7 June
Annan
Tuesdays 1.30pm
Leaving from Everholm Car Park
Starts 8 June
Langholm
Wednesdays 1.30pm
Leaving from Kiln Green bandstand
Starts 23 June
Community ‘Fitness’ Walks – Moderate to brisk paced walks which will allow the participants to benefit from a slightly increased pulse rate, faster breathing but still be able to maintain a conversation with others. Ideal for anyone wishing to increase their overall fitness.
Lockerbie
Tuesdays 6.00pm
Leaving from McJerrow Park (gates)
Starts 8 June
Annan
Thursdays 6.30pm
Leaving from Aldi Car Park (furthest from store)
Starts 10 June
Pole Walking – Easy to moderate paced walks. Walking with poles can provide stability and can reduce the strain on the lower body joints by sharing both the effort and body weight with the upper body muscles. Pole walking can improve cardio-respiratory fitness, core strength, improve balance and assist breast cancer recovery. Walkers will be required to provide their own walking poles.
Lockerbie
Sundays 10.30am
McJerrow Park
Starts 6 June
Lockerbie
Mondays 10.00am
McJerrow Park
Starts 7 June
Annan
Thursdays 10.00am
Leaving Everholm Car Park
Starts 10 June
Gretna
Mondays 10.00am
Leaving North Gateway Car Park (next to old Police Station)
Starts 14 June
Langholm
Saturdays 10.30am
Leaving Kiln Green bandstand
Starts 26 June
In addition to the new walks, 4 existing health walks are also available to attend.
Health Walks – Walks aimed at inactive people who would benefit from doing more physical activity. Ideal for people who haven’t been active in a while and would like to start again. Walkers will be able to walk at a pace and length that suits their ability.
Eaglesfield
Tuesday 1.30pm
Leaving from Eaglesfield Church Hall (side entrance)
Moffat
Wednesday 10.00am
Leaving from The Green Frog Garden Centre
Gretna
Wednesday 1.30pm
Leaving from St Andrews Church Hall
For more information on any of the walks please contact [email protected]
Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson said:
“It is great to see new health and wellbeing focused walks taking place in Dumfries & Galloway. Such initiatives will help people live healthier and more independent lives and there’s different paces of walk to suit individual circumstances.”Vice Chair, Councillor John Martin said:
“These walks are a great addition to the Active Communities activities within our local communities. By continuing to promote physical activity we are contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of the people we serve.”
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