Walking the way to health is a national initiative from Natural England and is supported by the Department of Health - Walk 4 Life.  It is a gentle and fun start to exercise, where people can enjoy the natural surroundings and meet new people.  The scheme includes a series of local guided walks from 11 locations across the city by trained volunteers.  The beginner health walks start at 30 minutes long and are ideal for getting back into walking.  Longer walks of up to 2 hours are also available for the more ambitious walker.  Regular away day walks provide the opportunity to visit other local beauty spots and generally these are the longest walks the scheme provides.

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.

York Health Walks 

A free leaflet entitled 'York Health Walks' 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 and 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 an informal day of practical advice, delivered locally, which includes information on leading a walk and keeping people motivated.

The new craze hitting York - Nordic Walking! 

Nordic Walking uses special poles to enhance walking style, with an upper body technique similar to that of cross country ski-ing.  It is simple and easy to enjoy, giving a full body workout, burning up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles!  It is especially good for improving posture, strengthening back and tummy muscles and also has low impact on joints.

Free Nordic walking taster sessions

Seen people Nordic walking across the city and want to give it a try?  Then come along to a free taster session to find out what Nordic walking is all about!

The taster session will last one hour and will show you the basic technique involved with Nordic walking, so come along and give it a try.  Nordic poles are provided.

Rowntree Park - Wednesday 8 February 2012, 10am to 11am.

Rawcliffe Country Park - Saturday 4 February 2012, 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Rowntree Park - Saturday 4 February 2012, 9.30am to 10.30am.

St George's car park, city centre, York - Wednesday 15 February 2012, 5.30 to 6.30pm (Nordic at Night with head torches).

Then attend a course.....

When you have done a taster session, or if you're feeling brave and want to dive into a course straight away, then choose from the following dates:-

Rowntree Park - Wednesday 29 February 2012, 10am to 11am.  One hour weekly session over four weeks with Karen Heldt.

Rawcliffe Country Park - Saturday 10 and 17 March 2012 intensive course, 10am to 12.30pm.  Two hour consecutive Saturdays (sessions include a half hour comfort break in the middle) with Colin Robinson.

Both of the above courses will make you a competent Nordic walker and enable you to purchase poles from Nordic Walking UK with a discount.

Nordic Walking groups

Once you have become a competent Nordic Walker why not attend the Nordic Walking groups taking place in your local park.  The groups are ideal for those wanting to perfect their technique, develop their skills and explore more of York's natural surroundings.  The groups are led by a fully qualified community instructors who will lead you through a warm up, guided walk and then cool down.  Group sessions are free, however pole hire is £2 per set per session.  A great place to meet other Nordic Walking enthusiasts!

Simply turn up to the session, show the instructor your competency card and then off you go!  Details of the groups are available to download in the Timetable of led walks.

Please note that unfortunately the Nordic Walking group at West Bank Park on Fridays is now cancelled until further notice.

For further details or to book on a course or taster session please contact:
Fiona Barker, Sport and Active Leisure, 18 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York YO1 8ZD
tel: (01904) 553377
email: fiona.barker@york.gov.uk