Buckie Health Walks setting pace for success

A NEW evening walking group in Buckie is proving to be a huge success.

Part of the wider Moray Health Walk network, the walk takes place every Wednesday evening, meeting outside the swimming pool at 7pm. With more than 20 walkers coming along already, the size of the fledgling group is continuing to grow and, according to organisers, is inspiring other areas to set up their own health walks.

Walk Moray offers a variety of health walks all over the region. They are social, low-level, accessible and inclusive, and are led by trained Walk Leaders. The groups walk at a steady pace and allow anyone and everyone join in, no matter their ability. Walks last from 20 minutes to one hour and, more often than not, involve going for a fly cup and fancy piece at the end.

Walking not only brings physical benefits, but mental and social ones, too, increasing fitness, prevent a range of health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and cancer, and improve sleep. It can also reduce isolation and loneliness, and allows people to make new friends.

These walks rely solely on volunteers Volunteering to be a walk leader will not only helps a person stay fit and healthy, but also gives them new skills and introduces them to a wide range of people.

The walk leader training is a simple three-hour course which allows participants to get a better understanding of why health walks are great and how to keep everyone safe throughout. Gaining more volunteers allows Health Walk organisers to keep up with the demand for new health walks.

Anyone interested in becoming a Walk Leader or to coming along as a walker, should get in touch with Walk Moray Health Walk Co-ordinator Morgan Mckay at morgan.mckay3@nhs.scot or telephone 07976 452156.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.