As part Sunderland Council’s vision for everyone in Sunderland to have affordable access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities to improve their health and well-being at first class, community based facilities throughout the City on Monday 10 January 2011 the walk your way to better health in 2011 was launched.

The idea of the initiative is to encourage people in Sunderland to join a guided ‘health walk’ once a week around designated routes.  The initiative is aimed at people getting back into shape after perhaps over indulging at Christmas.

Sunderland Council’s Wellness walking programme aims to get more people walking more often. Walking is a very simple form of exercise that almost anyone can do and has numerous health benefits to be achieved by taking part.

A variety of ‘led health walks’ walking routes are planned each week by the walk leaders according to the group and last approximately 60 minutes. Participants are asked to meet at the meeting point indicated and the walks then end at the same point.

All of the weekly led walks are free of charge and are suitable for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. Participants are advised to dress for the weather and bring along a bottle of water.

Details of the walks are below and no booking is required, however the programme is subject to change. It is advised that new walkers telephone 0191 561 4693 to check the programme.

The five led ‘health walks’ delivered weekly by a new team of Volunteer Walk Leaders which began week commencing 10th January meeting points are as follows:

Mondays

10.00am – 11.00am Herrington Play park car park, Herrington Country Park

Tuesdays

10.00am – 11.00am Seafront Reception, The Seaburn Centre

Wednesdays

12.00noon – 1.00pm City Centre The Walrus, Mowbray Park

Thursdays

12.00noon – 1.00pm Houghton le Spring Visitor Centre, Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve

Fridays

10.00 – 11.00am Washington The Gallery, Arts Centre Washington

Tel: 0191 561 4693

Walking way to better health: http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3570

Active Sunderland Website: http://www.activesunderland.org.uk/