Newark wellbeing walks launched by Lincolnshire Co-op as part of national programme

A new wellbeing walk has come to Newark as part of a national scheme to get people moving.

The first Newark walk took place at Sconce and Devon Park on 23rd June and was enjoyed by fourteen walkers, strolling along the River Trent and back around the park.

On the purpose of the scheme, walk leader Joyce said: “Everyone walks for their own reasons, whether to ward off illness, manage health conditions or boost their wellbeing. Yet we all get more out of it by walking together so come along and try out a free, friendly and easy walk – no need to book, just turn up”

Walker Barbara echoed Joyce's enthusiasm, saying: “ I felt very comfortable on the walk as I knew some of the people but also enjoyed meeting and chatting to new people.”

The walks are part of the Ramblers Walking for Wellbeing scheme and are funded locally by Lincolnshire Co-op. Although this is the first wellbeing walk in Newark, others take place in the surrounding area in Ollerton and Collingham.

The leaders of the scheme are trained walk leaders and members of Ramblers who want to encourage others to start walking as a means of improving their health and wellbeing. Co-op staff are also involved in leading and in training others as leaders, in addition to providing administrative support.

The next walk is due to take place on 14 August, they will then happen every second and fourth Thursdays of each month. They start near Rumbles café in Sconce and Devon Park at 10.30am and last no longer than 90 minutes with a variety of paces to suit all abilities.