Be good to your heart

Research has proved that by simply putting one foot in front of the other, you are more likely to be able to combat many of the serious diseases and health consequences of inactivity.

Simon Barnett, Ramblers Director of Walking Programmes and Promotions said: “We have seen firsthand what a difference walking can make to people’s lives and want to help as many people as possible to make a start so they can begin to experience the vast health benefits of walking.” 

Walking - especially brisk walking - helps to combat osteoarthritis, can dramatically cut diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

For adults 150 minutes a week is recommended to keep in good health – which can be broken down into 5 x 30 minute walks a week.  

Walking is also an activity that almost anyone can do; it’s free, you don’t need any specialist gear or equipment, it’s easy to fit into busy lifestyles and you can start slowly and build up gradually.

Simon Barnett continues: “Through various walking programmes, the Ramblers has put building blocks in place to help people move from short, easy walks to longer more challenging walks, to help people climb from the sofa to the summit. The most important thing to do is to take that first step towards a healthy, active lifestyle and get walking.”

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival has also recognised that there are many Ramblers out there who need to work up to longer walks. A series of health walks run throughout the week.

Monday, September 10

11am - Bramingham Senior Striders. Meet Lucas Gardens, Luton, LU3 4BG

1pm - Wigmore Walkers. Meet Wigmore Place, Luton, LU2 9TN

Tuesday, September 11

11am - Walking for Health – Meet Five Bells Pub, Henlow

1pm - Wigmore Walkers. Meet Wigmore Place, Luton, LU2 9TN

Wednesday, September 12

9.15am - The Saints Health Walk. Meet at William Austin School, Luton, LU3 1UA

10.15am - Walking for Health – Meet Marston Vale Forest Centre

12.45pm – L & D Hospital Wednesday Walkers. Meet at the Occupational Health Unit.

1pm - Wigmore Walkers. Meet Wigmore Place, Luton, LU2 9TN

Thursday, September 13

9.15am – Stopsley Walkers. Meet Sacred Heart Primary School, Luton, LU2 9AJ

10.15am - Walking for Health – Potton. Meet at the library.

10.45am - Walking for Health – Arlesey – meet at the corner of Hospital Road and High Street.

12.30pm – Walk the Talk. Meet Town Hall steps or University of Bedfordshire (Park Street entrance), Luton

1pm - Wigmore Walkers. Meet Wigmore Place, Luton, LU2 9TN

Friday, September 14

9.15am - The Saints Health Walk. Meet at William Austin School, Luton, LU3 1UA

Walking for Health

For short walks of around about an hour look at joining your local health walk. See www.walkingforhealth.org.uk. Run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support in partnership with local partners Walking for Health offers regular short walks over easy terrain with trained walk leaders. Over 75,000 walkers throughout the country attend regularly. 

Ramblers led walks

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, join a Ramblers local walking group. See www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder.   

For more details on all the walks in the Bedfordshire Walking Festival go to www.bedswalkfest.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BedsWalkFest