- Walks
I haven’t walked in a while is there anything suitable for me?
Our walks are ideal for people who want to improve their general health and wellbeing and are great for people of all ages, to take up walking in a safe and sociable atmosphere. [click to download brochure]. If you have a health condition and would like more advice before you increase your activity levels, why not go through our referral scheme first? Click to go to referral page.
How much does it cost?
Our Health Walks programme is completely free of charge.
What happens on my first visit?
Our trained volunteers will ask you to complete a health screening form before you take part in any activity, and remember to bring next-of-kin contact details to include on the form. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before each walk is due to start , to register.
Do I book a place in advance or just turn up?
Booking on our Nordic Walks and Hill Walks is essential – please contact our admin team on 01942 488481 to book your place. You do not need to book in advance for our health walks, but it is advisable to ring if the weather is bad to check if the walk is going ahead. If you have any health conditions that limit you taking part or if you have any concerns about increasing your activity levels why not go through our referral scheme first? Click to go to referral page.
Walking is free and requires no special equipment. It can be done by anyone and at anytime. It is an easy activity to start doing and build up gradually. Walking can be incorporated into your everyday life. It has many health benefits, can make you feel better and control your weight. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family, or it can be time spent on you!
Why walk in Wigan Borough?
It may come as a surprise to some to discover that the borough of Wigan is two-thirds green space. There is mile upon mile of trails and pathways, bridleways and towpaths; the borough offers moss lands and wetlands, plantations and the famous Flashes, all brimming with lush vegetation and a remarkable collection of wildlife.
How much activity should I do?
If you are an adult, walking for a total of 150 minutes a week, meets the Chief Medical Officers recommendations for physical activity. This can be split up into bouts of as little as 10 minutes. The best way to ensure that you keep active over the long term is to include activity in your everyday life.
I need some motivation to walk more, what can I do?
Get online and register for our 12 week online programme and follow your progress. You can also get access to a number of resources and incentives to help get you started and keep you motivated
Active Living’s health walks programme is led by volunteers and our extensive range of partners across the Wigan Borough to offer an accessible yet diverse programme that features various lengths of walk, Historic and Nature Walks and Nordic Walking. Click to download brochure
What else is going on in my local area?
Find out what is going on in your area including events, walks led by our partner organisations, ideas for local walking routes, local walking groups and links to other useful websites
What should I wear?
Wear flat, full backed, comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothing. We can not guarantee good weather, so bring a rain jacket just in case. If it is sunny, wear a hat and sun screen.
What should I bring?
Bring any relevant medication such as inhalers and GTN sprays that you may need in an emergency. If you don’t bring this, you may not be allowed to participate. If you are diabetic, consider bringing a snack. Bring a bottled drink such as water.
We will help get your local group walking. We can lead a one off taster or we can plan a 12 week programme for your group. Each participant in the programme will get a walking starter pack. We will lead some walks for your group and give you ideas how to continue in the long term. This programme will be tailored to your group, and we could possibly include some themed walks
How do I become a Volunteer Walk Leader?
We offer free training to our volunteers who are willing and able to lead health walks in the borough. The one day course is a practical and covers topics such as, how to lead a health walk, benefits of and barriers to exercise and risk assessments. Once you have completed the course resources available to you to make the most of your new skills, including a Volunteer Walk Leader Manual and walk leader certificate.
