Walking For Health - Tavistock

Walking for Health is a network of 600 health walk schemes in towns and villages across England, backed by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. It is completely free so anyone can join in and it is a great way to get some exercise and meet new friends in a safe environment. In West Devon OCRA organises weekly walks in the Tavistock and Okehampton areas, covering three different levels to provide an opportunity for people to get involved even if they haven't done much walking before.

Tavistock level 1 and 2 walks start off together from The Wharf and split partway to allow some people to finish after 30 minutes and others to continue walking for 45-60 minutes. They cover fairly even ground and are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, people restricted by mobility problems and people not used to walking who want to increase their fitness. Level 3 walks (at places such as Grenofen, Whitchurch Down and Gem Bridge) are approximately 3 miles or 90 minutes in length and can include uneven ground, some inclines and stiles or steps. Adventurous walkers can also take part in Mystery Walks twice a month when participants car share to a mystery location. There are often 20 to 35 people walking each week and the participants walk as much for the camaraderie and friendship as for the health benefits - and of course not forgetting the coffee and cake option afterwards!

All the groups are led by trained, competent and friendly leaders who make sure that new walkers join a group at a level appropriate to their ability. Most of the leaders joined the scheme as walkers themselves and found that they got so much from the experience that they wanted to help others enjoy the benefits of walking in a group.

Tuesdays - Level 1 & 2 walks - meet 10.30am outside the Wharf at Tavistock

Thursdays - Level 3 walks - meet at 10:00am outside the Wharf at Tavistock

Mystery Walks (Level 3) - meet at 10.15am in free car park in Pixon Lane -second and last Thursday of each month

For further information visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk or contact Sue Doidge  (West Devon WFH Coordinator) on 01837 54546 or email sue@ocrasport.org.uk