New to Walking?
Several organisations in England offer the opportunity to take part in organised led walks. Try some of these organisations to help you get the walking habit:
London Escapes
Local walking group set up recently by a member of the Walk England Online Community for people based in, or near, London who would like to escape for the day. Good brisk walks (6 - 10 miles) and a visit to something beautiful, exciting or fascinating.
Think Feet First
Think Feet First is a new NHS initiative to inspire us to stop and think about how we make short journeys.
Think Feet First are providing, in partnership with Natural England, 16 Walking Ambassador walking roadshow schemes in a number of London boroughs. So if you're interested in going on a led walk in your local community download their walking calendar to find a walk in your area.
Also as part of the Think Feet First campaign 47 local projects are being run by local NHS Primary Care Trusts and Trusts to encourage staff to get more active.
Get Walking Keep Walking
The Ramblers offer a 12-week walking plan on one of their free Get Walking Keep Walking programmes or with their DIY pack to get you started. Folllow the link to their website to see if there is a Get Walking Keep Walking programme happening near you.
Walking the way to Health
Walking the way to Health is the country’s leading provider of led health walks. There are over 500 local led health walks schemes and projects, often funded by the Primary Care Trust or Local Authority. They all offer short, regular walks in the local area, led by trained volunteers. The site contains a ‘Walk Finder’ feature which will enable you to find a suitable walk near you. Everyone is welcome on these walks, regardless of their fitness or ability level.
Ramblers
Ramblers is Britain's biggest charity working to promote walking and improve conditions for walkers. Ramblers volunteers organise hundreds of led walks across England every week, from short urban strolls to bracing hillside treks. There are special 'hike' groups for people in their 20s and 30s and family walking groups. Their website is packed with information on walking in England, including a Group Walks Finder which lists most Ramblers led walks.
Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission encourages walking and organises walks on its sites. To find out more about walking on Forestry Commission sites, follow the link. The Forestry Commission has also teamed up with the Kennel Club to ensure dog owners enjoy walking in forests and woodlands with their pets and also understand the needs of the forests and other forest users.
Up for more of a challenge? Follow some of these links for maps of walks and organised led walks in your area:
Long Distance Walkers Association
The aim of the Lond Distance Walkers Association is to further the interests of those who enjoy long distance walking. LDWA is an association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas.
By joining the LDWA, you will meet other like-minded long distance walkers and gain access to information on walking events and long distance walking routes all over the UK. They frequently organise challenge events and publish a list of long distance routes.
The British Walking Federation
The British Walking Federation's member clubs organise events designed for people of all ages and abilities.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust regularly holds guided walks, talks, tree planting events and fundraising activities in their woods across the United Kingdom.
Go4aWalk
A useful website where you can download walking maps, information about walking and hiking equipment as well as information about where to stay when planning longer walks.
Country Walking
Country Walking magazine’s website includes information about longer treks, walking holidays and hiking gear.
Ordnance Survey
Great Britain's national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, provides the most accurate and up-to-date geographic data for everyone.Their comprehensive website allows to you to plot routes online, join discussion groups, and learn about OS maps. They offer extensive teaching resources, such as downloadable flashcards, and the GIS Zone is a free interactive program to help children learn about OS maps, perfect for plotting walking routes as a family.
Walks with Buggies
A centralised database providing information on suitable walks for parents with buggies. Find out about walks in your area and share your own walk suggestions. Level of difficulty, distance and facilities can also be found. Walk instructions and maps can be printed off.
Walks with Wheelchairs
A centralised database providing information on suitable walks for wheelchair users. Find out about walks in your area and share your own walk suggestions. Level of difficulty, distance and facilities can also be found. Walk instructions and maps can be printed off.
The British Walking Federation
The British Walking Federation offers a selection of awards for distances covered and events attended,with walks around the country every weekend. The website also lists international events.