Walking the way to health is a national initiative from Natural England and the British Heart Foundation. It is a gentle and fun start to exercise, where people can enjoy their surroundings and meet new people.

The scheme includes a series of local health walks, some of which are led and some are for you to do independently. A health walk is normally 30 minutes to one hour long.

Walking guidelines

The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, everyone is welcome to come along. You don't have to book.

On any walk you should wear comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes (not sandals). You should bring a drink with you. Dogs should be kept on a lead.

To get the maximum benefits from walking you need to walk at a slightly quicker pace than normal. This should make you feel a little warmer, breathe a bit deeper and make your heart beat faster.

Toilets are available on most routes or at the meeting points.

Health Walks in York 

A free leaflet entitled 'Health Walks in York' is available, containing a timetable of led walks in York. These walks are led by qualified walk leaders who ensure the safety and welfare of participants. A new timetable is published every three months. The timetable, along with a map of starting points, can be downloaded from the right of this page.

If you would like a copy posted to you, please send a second class stamped addressed envelope to the walking scheme co-ordinator.

For more information see the Walking the way to health website.  If you would like more details of other walking groups in York please see the yortime website.

Become a walk leader

If you are interested in becoming a walk leader, there is a voluntary training session available. It is recognised by the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health. It is an informal day of practical advice, delivered locally, which includes information on leading a walk and keeping people motivated.

For further details contact:
Paul Ramskill, Community Leisure Officer, Sport and Active Leisure, 18 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York YO1 8ZD
tel: (01904) 553372