THE athletics track at Tavistock College is normally associated with running — but it recently became the latest route for a popular local walking group.

Almost 30 walkers and volunteers from Tavistock Walk and Talk took a stroll around the athletics track on Tuesday, April 9 as part of their weekly walking programme.

The sports centre manager, Nick Lane, gave the group a brief talk about the history of the track before inviting them to do as many laps as they wished.

Walk and Talk is part of a national initiative called 'Walking for Health' which is managed by The Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. 

It is co-ordinated locally by West Devon Borough Council with funding from NHS Devon.

 Kate Wright, Walk and Talk co-ordinator for West Devon and South Hams, said: 'We are always looking for new routes and ideas for groups so I was delighted when Nick Lane invited us to walk round the track. 

'Walkers and volunteers enjoyed hearing about how the track was built and the local groups that currently use it.

'The walk was so successful we are now hoping to build this route into our regular programme of walks.'

Walk and Talk is popular in West Devon as it not only provides health and physical benefits but also helps people to get out and meet others.   

There are also groups at Okehampton, Broadwoodkelly and Horrabridge. 

From May 4 to 11, Walk and Talk will be taking part in Get Walking Week organised by The Ramblers aimed at encouraging more people to get active in the great outdoors.

For more information about Walk and Talk in West Devon call Kate on 01822 813600 or go to http://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk">www.walkingforhealth.org.uk