Information on Loughborough

Walk yourself fit with a week of events

Posted on 14/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

14 September 2009

Walk yourself fit with a week of events

Health experts are encouraging people to get fit by taking part in the county’s walking week, which starts on Saturday (September 19 2009).

A total of 79 walks have been organised by the County Council, including sessions for dog walkers, parents with pushchairs and people interested in ghosts, history, wildlife or pubs.

Leicestershire has a 3,000 kilometre network of footpaths (1,864 miles), which are maintained by the county council.

Dr Mary Gee, consultant in public health at NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland, said: “Evidence shows that walking can improve your health in many ways – regular brisk walking improves cardiovascular fitness and can help reduce weight. It helps to strengthen bones and protect against later osteoporosis.

“There is also an advantage from walking in groups – with an improvement in mental wellbeing being a very important benefit. Walking is something I cannot recommend too highly for everyone.”

The County Council wants to promote walking as:

  • an easy way to get fit
  • a chance to leave the car behind and help reduce pollution
  • a good way to explore the countryside and learn about nature and history
  • a chance to get sponsorship for good causes.

Ernie White, Cabinet member for Better Places, said: “Leicestershire is an excellent county for walking – there’s no better way to explore the gorgeous countryside, beautiful wildlife and historic features in our landscape.”

For a full list of walks, see http://www.leics.gov.uk/walkingweek or see the attached document for an area-by-area breakdown.

Walking Week Walks by area (Word doc)