Walking for Health
Walking for Health is the national organisation affiliated to the Ramblers which seeks to encourage walking for a more active lifestyle and oversees local initiatives. Sedgemoor District Council runs a monthly programme of walks lead by volunteers, lasting between 30 and 90 minutes. http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/healthwalks
These walks are ideal for those who have an existing health condition and need a little support or encouragement to start exercising again. Walking is low impact, on the level, with rest stops, and lead by a trained walk leader to support and encourage participants.
Several enlightened local GP surgeries are involved eg Quantock Medical Centre, Redgate, Taunton Road and Somerset Bridge, reflecting a growing trend towards ‘social prescribing’ ie with an emphasis on physical activity, the outdoors, and social interaction.
Steart Marshes now features regularly on the programme of walks. These currently take place weekly on a Monday at 2pm with Ralph, and fortnightly on a Saturday at 11.15am with Lorraine, all starting from the main car park for WWT Steart Marshes on Stert Drove.
