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Kingsbridge Walk & Talk

More and more people are going out country walking on a regular basis for their health’s sake as well as for the pure enjoyment of being out of doors, according to recent research. Most do it of their own volition, but there are an increasing number of projects and schemes being launched to help folk walk their way to fitness.

One example is the new programme of health walks that was launched at Kingsbridge in South Devon recently.

“Over the last year a handful of keen volunteers have been leading walks in the area, aimed at benefiting people’s health,” said a spokesman for the scheme, called Kingsbridge Walk & Talk. “Hundreds of people have taken part, and many have seen improvements to their general well-being.

“The number of volunteer walk leaders has now increased, with more walks being offered, resulting in a re-launch of the programme. The new name perfectly describes this sociable activity – a chance to get fit and meet new people at the same time.”

Kingsbridge Walk & Talk is free – there’s no need to book – just turn up at the meeting point at the times given.

There are three levels of walks to suit all levels of fitness - gentle short strolls for beginners, slightly longer walks for “improvers”, and more challenging coast and countryside routes for fitter folk.

The scheme is organised and led by local volunteers with the support of South Hams District Council, Devon County Council and Kingsbridge Town Council. Similar schemes are up and running in Ivybridge, Dartmouth, South Brent and, coming soon, Totnes.

To find out more contact Keith Rennells (South Hams District Council’s Landscape & Recreation team) – on 01803 861456 or email keith.rennells@southhams.gov.uk

South Devon’s first Walking Festival

It’s a well known fact that country walking is one of the nation’s fastest growing pastimes, but although the odd government agency or national park may occasionally try to measure the popularity, it is sometimes difficult to gauge exactly how much hiking is catching on.

The increasing number of walking festivals being staged each year is one indicator and it comes as no surprise to me to hear that South Devon’s first ever Walking Festival has been hailed a great success.

The event, which took place in October, involved 30 organised walks in the South Hams and attracted more than 350 people.

“The programme included coastal strolls, green lane hikes, and farmland rambles,” reports festival organiser Liz Davey. “There was even a great hill toddle to introduce toddlers and their parents to the wonders of walking and wildlife in the woods. The lengths of walks were from one and a half miles to eight.”

She added: “We were fortunate to have good weather apart from the final weekend and were delighted that so many people decided to enjoy the fantastic landscape, and find out more about the history, archaeology and wildlife of the South Devon AONB. We very much hope that we can secure further support to expand the event for 2008.”

Poles apart

Two weeks ago I asked the question: “To pole, or not to pole?”

No topic gets walkers quite so hot under the collar. You either hate walking poles, or you love them. I have always been a member of the former camp, but now have taken delivery of a pair of the remarkable, and much talked-about, Pacerpoles – designed by a British man and wife team who are nuts abut walking.

Without more ado, I have to admit I’m a convert. I’ve been using the poles for a week and realise that they are a quite amazing boon for country walkers.

How, and why, I will leave for another day when we have more space. The reason I say that is because I agree with my brother who knows more about the technical side of walking than I’ll ever learn.

“You owe it to your Westcountry readers to write in full about this subject,” John told me. “No single thing could improve the overall health of walkers in such a profound way – and no one thing could improve the ability of readers to enjoy country walking quite so much.”

When he uttered those words I thought he was being over the top – now I’m inclined to agree. If used properly, walking poles require you to use 90 percent of your overall body strength – not just the bit taken up by those weary old legs – which can only be a very good thing when it comes to overall health and fitness.

If you have walking news please contact us.

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