Today’s the day: first steps for North Somerset Walk Fest!

The first ever North Somerset Walk Fest has kicked off today (Wednesday 1 May), with people across North Somerset due to 'walk this May' and enjoy the benefits of walking.

Held during National Walking Month, North Somerset Walk Fest is a celebration of all things walking with lots of free activities and challenges on offer.

The festival is organised by North Somerset Council's Better Health team, in partnership with Age UK Somerset. The aim is 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.

The free North Somerset Walk fest programme is available from North Somerset libraries, from Outdoors and Active in Weston-super-Mare or on the Better Health North Somerset website.

It contains details of walks and events happening every day throughout May, in and around North Somerset - from guided walks and walking sports to networking walks. Each activity has a note to say whether it is wheelchair, mobility scooter, visually impaired or buggy friendly.

Other ways to take part in North Somerset Walk Fest include:

• 'Walking cafes' - a number of cafes across North Somerset 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 or a £50 Love2shop voucher!

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

"I'm so excited that North Somerset Walk Fest is finally here! Thank you to our Better Health North Somerset team and all of our community partners who have worked so hard to make it happen.

"Walking is a fantastic way to start getting more active and help improve both your physical and mental health. Whether you're walking and wheeling to school or work, enjoying weekend walks to the park with your family, or looking to join one of our friendly Health Walk groups, there really is something for everyone and for all fitness levels.

"There are so many wonderful opportunities to enjoy walking across North Somerset - I'm really looking forward to putting my best foot forward and taking part in North Somerset Walk Fest!"

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.