Dartmoor National Park Authority

Walking for Health

Walking is not only a great way of exploring Dartmoor’s special qualities - it can also be good for you! For prevention or treatment, contact with the outdoors can make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing through opportunities to be active, relax and enjoy the views, spend time with friends and family, and meet new people. It can also raise spirits and stimulate the senses and, of course, it can be enjoyable and fun.

Local Walking for Health Groups
There are a number of Walking for Health Groups situated within or close to the National Park.

Walk and Talk - Moretonhampstead

Walk and Talk – Okehampton

For dates and times call: Helen Buxton-Smith on 01884 255255, or email: hbuxtons@middevon.gov.uk.

Walk this Way – Bovey Tracey

Walk this Way – Chudleigh

Walk this Way – Newton Abbot

For dates and times call:  Nikki Toms on 01626 215611 or see Teignbridge.info (external link, opens new window)for more infromation

Walking for Health Packs

If you are unable to attend one of the organised health walks or if you just fancy trying something different pick up a pack of free self-guided Walking for Health routes.  Packs are available for Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge, Okehampton and Yelverton.  The walks are generally less than two miles long and are ideal for those people just starting to exercise or wanting to fit exercise into a busy schedule.  Each route is predominantly well surfaced and flat and each leaflet provides details of target times to help you measure your speed and fitness.  A walks diary is included in the pack for recording your progress.

Packs are available through local Walking for Health groups, TICs DNP Information Centres and some GPs’ surgeries.

Did you know that ….

regular walking can improve your

• confidence
• stamina
• energy
• weight control
• life expectancy

it can reduce the risk of

• coronary heart disease
• strokes
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• bowel cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• osteoporosis
• arthritis
• anxiety
• stress

Walking can bring added benefits

Led walks are a chance to meet people and make friends. They can offer a gentle exercise and be suitable if you are recovering from heart trouble, a stroke or other illness. For suggested walks from Dartmoor area settlements, pick up a Walking for Health pack from Information Centres and local doctors’ surgeries.

For more information on walking for health please contact:

Walking the Way to Health Initiative Team The Countryside Agency John Dower House Crescent Place Cheltenham GL50 3RA Tel: 01242 533258 www.whi.org.uk (external link, opens new window)

Page updated 10 January 2006