Walking week welcome extended to all
[18 August 2004]
If the thought of getting hot and sweaty in a crowded gym this summer doesn't appeal why not move your exercise programme outdoors during the Ramblers' Association's (RA) national walking for health festival, Millets Welcome To Walking Week (18 - 26 September).
The chance to swap the treadmill for a country path and the cross trainer for rolling hills, against a backdrop of beautiful country views during the week-long festival of walks is only a step away. Regular exercise is a vital part of our lives if we want to improve health and be fitter, with nearly 400 free walks across the country organised by Ramblers groups, Millets Welcome To Walking Week is the perfect opportunity to kick start a healthier lifestyle with family and friends.
Millets Welcome To Walking Week is designed to introduce the joys and benefits of walking to all, with many of the walks short, and at an easy pace, suitable for all members of the family. This year the RA is teaming up with ITV's Britain On The Move campaign to encourage the nation to get off the sofa and exercise more regularly for health and fitness. September 19th will be National Walking Day.
Nature lovers can join an Elm Map Walk searching for Britain's remaining mature Elm trees to help the Natural History Museum, the Ancient Tree Forum and the other partner organisations to map the location of mature Elms. Anyone locating an Elm for the programme will be credited for his or her 'find' on an online map, and will be contributing vital information to the UK Biodiversity Project.
Mariusz Wilczynski, Event Organiser said: "There's something here for everyone. Those who enjoy nature can come on one of our Elm Map Walks and become an environmental detective; for those who want the motivation to get fit and healthy, walks for all fitness levels across country are available. The recent spotlight on walking shows that it's an activity that puts more strenuous exercise to shame, and as little as thirty minutes a day regularly will improve health."
To find walks in your area a downloadable pdf is available. People taking part in any of the walks can receive a 20% reduction on membership of the RA. For more information about the UK Biodiversity Project visit the Natural History Museum