A record 271 Hertfordshire residents join Mass Health Walk

Published: 03 May 2024

May is National Walking Month and earlier this week, 271 residents joined a Mass Health Walk across 17 different locations around Hertfordshire.

The record number of participants included nine new walkers who joined Hertfordshire Health Walks for the first time on Wednesday. The walks were led by friendly volunteers, who in total provided 13,000 hours to Hertfordshire Health Walks in 2023. Volunteers are trained to Ramblers UK standard and are on hand to support walkers, whatever their experience.

One outstanding example of Hertfordshire Health Walks being for everyone is Hemel Hempstead resident Geoffrey, who is 93 years old and since registering in 2015 has completed 560 walks - and has no intention of stopping any time soon! He has developed a strong friendship group over the years that go on holiday together and support each other. Geoff said after finishing a walk he feels: "on top of the world, like a cloud relieved of any stress…I feel totally different. Any worries I had are all gone. Walking gets rids of any stress I had. I've talked to people the entire way around and we've put the world to rights."

Michael Gomm, Health Walk leader who regularly walks with Geoffrey said: "As a Health Walk leader I have known Geoff for many years. Despite occasional health setbacks due to his longevity, he always comes back with a happy and smiling face. Apart from attending the Monday walk at Gadebridge Park with friends, he also goes to other Health Walks in Hemel Hempstead, where we are always glad to see him, along with anyone else who would like to join us. Geoff is a great example of the benefits that can be gained from regular exercise."

Walker Kath, a Letchworth resident, and a regular First Steps participant said "Walking is very helpful, and the movement helps my sciatica. The walk also gets me out of the house. It's a friendly group and I have met people I wouldn't normally meet."

Hertfordshire Health Walks are a great opportunity to meet new people whilst keeping active. From 20-30-minute flat walks with regular stops to moderate hills with faster pace, all the way through to 5-6-mile progression walks, there's a Hertfordshire Health Walk for everyone, regardless of fitness level.

To find your nearest Hertfordshire Health Walk, visit the Health Walk website.

If you're interested in sharing your passion for walking, you can join our team of 200+ volunteers. For more information and to apply to become a Health Walk volunteer, visit the website or contact the Health Walk Team by calling 01992 555888 or email [email protected].

If you are looking to get active, but walking isn't possible for you, visit our Keep Active pages to find out about other free ways to get moving in Hertfordshire.

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