Why Walk?

We live in a beautiful country with so much varying and pleasing scenery that the normal person, the road user, rarely sees. This is available for walking through via the vast network of ‘Public Footpaths’ and ‘Bridleways’ that crisscross our countryside. In addition there is the health aspect to consider.

The following article has been extracted from the “Ramblers’ Association” Walk Magazine. It was compiled by the RA Chief Executive – Tom Franklin.

“Imagine if a pharmaceutical company invented a new ‘wonder drug’ which, if taken by the whole population, would cut coronary heart disease by over a third. People would be clamoring for it to be provided free on the NHS. But imagine if that drug could also reduce cases of osteoarthritis because it increased bone density in those with fragile bones; reduce hip fractures because older people would have better coordination, strength and balance; dramatically cut rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease; halve the rates of colon cancer among those most at risk; reduce the levels of breast cancer and aid recovery among cancer suffers; reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol; cut by two-thirds the risk of strokes among highest-risk middle-aged men; and cut by a quarter the risk of dying of a heart attack among those who’ve already survived one attack. In short, imagine if that drug could cut the risk of premature death by 20-30 per cent.

That drug already exists – it’s called walking

If everyone did it, frequently and fast enough, people would live longer lives. They would also live happier lives. Depression is now the biggest psychological disorder in the western world – in 15 years it will be the most common of any illness. One in four people in the UK will now experience mental health problems in the course of a year. Walking is an effective way to reduce depression, stress and anxiety, and aid sleep.......”

“Today, the Ramblers’ association message is more relevant than ever. There are millions of people whose quality of lives would be improved if they walked more”

So why not come and join us on our walks and meet a very friendly bunch of people, and the above benefits are also all there waiting for you!