A NEW walking scheme strides out in Tavistock next week, which will offer weekly walks in the area for those who would like to become more active. The Tavistock Walk and Talk scheme is a partnership project between West Devon Borough Council and Natural England, in conjunction with the 5x30 project, which aims to promote exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Kate Wright of Tavistock 5x30 said: ?The walks will be led by trained and very friendly volunteer leaders, who will make sure that you are safe whilst on the walk. Walks are all on the level , with no steep hills or steps, and they will probably take less than an hour. ?Walking can make you feel good, give you more energy, help you sleep better, reduce stress, blood pressure and weight, and strengthen your heart. Best of all, it?s free and everyone can do it! ? The walks are accessible to all, young and old, those in wheelchairs, and mothers with buggies. Kate said: ?Just as important as the walking is the socialising, we don?t treat the walk as a race, the walks are for people who would like to get more active through walking, and enjoy a good chat at the same time!? The walks will start and end at Tavistock Wharf, so there is also the opportunity to enjoy refreshments afterwards. Initially there will be one walk each Tuesday for the first four weeks. These will be on the September 11, 18, 25 and October 2. All walks start at 10.30am. ?If lots of people join us, and the walks are a success, details of a longer programme will be released after this,? said Kate. It is hoped in the future that there will be two walks each week, including a slightly harder walk, for those who wish to walk faster or further. Tavistock Walk and Talk is part of a national walking initiative run by Natural England to encourage people to do regular short walks in their local communities. More 400 schemes have been set up, encouraging more than one million people to walk more. The Walk and Talk scheme is operated by very enthusiastic and friendly volunteers, without whom it would be impossible to promote walking for health within the community. Jo Birbeck of Natural England said: ?We are keen to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly team of volunteers ? you can give as much time as you are able to spare.? For anyone interested in receiving free training to become a Volunteer Walk Leader, a training event is planned locally for September. Please contact Rob Sekula on 01822 813701 or Tammy Messenger on 01822 813628 for more details.
