Get ready to ‘Walk this May’ when North Somerset Walk Fest launches next month!

People of all ages across North Somerset are being encouraged to take part in a brand new walking festival taking place during May for National Walking Month.

North Somerset Walk Fest will be a celebration of all things walking with a variety of free activities and challenges on offer.

Organised by North Somerset Council's Better Health team, in partnership with Age UK Somerset, North Somerset Walk Fest aims to encourage more people to give walking a go and enjoy the benefits it brings such as getting fitter, making new friends and having fun.

Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council's executive member for public health, said:

"We're committed to tackling health inequalities and helping people across North Somerset enjoy better health. National Walking Month is a great opportunity to do that and with the launch of North Somerset Walk Fest, this year is going to be bigger and better than ever!

"Walking is such a great way to improve your physical and mental health. It's a simple, free way of being more active and ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are lots of opportunities to enjoy walking in North Somerset. From family weekend walks in our beautiful open spaces to walking to work, walking and wheeling to school or organised walking groups with accessible routes, there really is something for everyone.

"As well as the health benefits, walking can also be a great way to explore your local area, finding out what's on your doorstep - whether that's local nature and the environment or shops and businesses - so get involved, take part in North Somerset Walk Fest and walk this May!"

Join in with North Somerset Walk Fest by picking up your free programme from a local library, or visit the Better Health North Somerset website to view and download lots of information, including:

• The North Somerset Walk Fest programme - packed with lots of information about walks and events happening every day in May in and around North Somerset, from guided walks and walking sports to networking walks, with a note to say whether each is wheelchair, mobility scooter, visually impaired or buggy friendly.
• A number of 'walking cafes' are supporting North Somerset Walk Fest - head to one of them to pick up a local walking route map. Some cafés will also be offering a discount or special offer to Walk Fest participants!
• Walk Every Day in May - challenge yourself to walk every day in May. You can walk for as long as suits you and you will feel the difference it makes, even walking for just 10 minutes a day. Download a calendar from the Better Health website and track your progress.
• Walking Groups - check out the list of walking groups or look into starting your own! The council's Better Health team can offer training and support to help you get started.
• Walking Routes - the website also has a list of mapped routes across North Somerset, including accessible routes which are suitable for people who have limited mobility. Each route is up to six miles in distance.
• Win - complete a short survey and be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher from Outdoors and Active!

North Somerset Walk Fest is a sister festival to Bristol Walk Fest, which is now in its tenth year, and is run with funding from the Quartet Community Foundation.

Find out more about North Somerset Walk Fest by visiting www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nswalkfest or call the Better Health North Somerset team on 01275 882 730.