North Devon’s Walk and Talk

Woodlands make wonderful places to get away from it all and go for a walk, so...

As part of our work to extend the benefits of an increasingly well wooded area to local communities, we have been working with the Countryside agency and local partners to found and support Walking for Health groups across the South West Forest.

What’s in it for you?

Welcome to North Devon’s Walk and Talk initiative aimed at helping you to enjoy the benefits of walking and enable you to become fitter for life.

Walking is the best form of exercise available to everyone, young and old and for all abilities. It has the benefit of being safe, free and low impact. It is also a great way to meet people, make new friends and enjoy space and fresh air.

Did you know walking can provide you with more energy, help you to sleep better, strengthen your heart, reduce blood pressure, help manage your weight, achieve better mobility and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, anger and frustration.

Those who take regular exercise enjoy a greater life expectancy with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, strokes, hypertension, type II diabetes, colon cancer and osteoporosis with a reduction in incidents of fractured hips and vertebrae.

Walking with us can also benefit the local community by improving safety and the local environment.

Everyone is welcome

Our walks are friendly and relaxed. All walks are free so just turn up. We often end up with refreshments at the end of the walk so please bring money for a tea or coffee. Walks start from various locations and at different times around North Devon, you will experience woodland, countryside, park, river and town walks. Please contact us for a programme.

We try to encourage walking in your local area without the need to travel first, however, for some of you travelling may be the only option. Before jumping in the car why not consider using public transport or car sharing and help reduce the traffic on our roads! Details can be found at carsharedevon.com or telephone 08700 11 11 99 and Traveline 08706 082608

Walk levels

North Devon Walk and Talk is offering an exciting range of health walks in and around your local area. All walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders and are graded from level 1 to level 3. Our aim is to cater for all ages and abilities and we hope that you will discover a walk suited to you.

Level 1

Approximately 15-30 minutes up to 1 mile suitable for those that do little or no physical activity at present and people restricted by mobility problems who may walk slowly. The walk uses flat, level, hard surfaced paths and pavements with no steep hills or steps and are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Level 2

Approximately 30-60 minutes up to 2 miles suitable for those that do a small amount of physical activity but need to increase their activity level and those people with minor mobility problems but are able to walk at a moderate pace. The walk uses footpaths and pavements with some gradients, steps and uneven pathways.

Level 3

Approximately 60-90 minutes up to 3 miles suitable for those that do a certain amount of physical activity but wish to improve their general fitness and heart health. The walk uses a variety of footpaths, roads, tracks and pathways, some may be uneven, muddy and slippery when wet. These walks may include steps, inclines, stiles and narrow pathways.

Inclement weather

We walk in all weathers, so if you want to walk there will always be someone there to lead. Some walks may be cancelled at the discretion of the walk leader but they will always be there to share a coffee—whatever the weather!

Spread a little health

The North Devon Walk and Talk scheme is provided by enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, without whom, we would not be able to promote and deliver walks for health within your community.

We want the community to take ownership of this project and with the scheme growing in all areas of North Devon we are always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in joining our friendly team of volunteers, as a walk leader or in any other way that you think would help us develop. We provide free walk leader training and on-going support.

You can download an Information pack here...

Further information

Tim Pryor
Scheme Co-ordinator
North Devon Walk and Talk
South West Forest
Cookworthy Moor
Beaworthy
Devon
EX21 5UX
Tel: 07976 766424

Telephone: 01409 221896
Email: whi.ndevon@fsmail.net
Web: whi.org.uk