On the back of the hugely successful Get Doncaster Walking festival in January-March 2010 which delivered 25 walks across the borough and over 450 people taking part, Doncaster Council is working closely with NHS Doncaster to develop health walks in the following communities:
Askern, Carcroft, Clay Lane, Denaby, Edlington, Hexthorpe, Highfields, Hyde Park, Mexborough, Moorends, Rossington, Stainforth, Toll Bar, Thorne & Woodlands.
If you would be interested in either taking part in a walk or actually volunteering to help lead a health walk in the above communities, then please contact Dean Wiffen on 01302 735403 or email dean.wiffen@doncaster.gov.uk
We can also provide volunteers with a nationally recognisable Walk Leader qualification for FREE enabling them to lead health walks.
To encourage more people to be active on a regular basis, Doncaster has a number of health walks in the borough in partnership with Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Community Woodland Rangers, Sue Ryder Care, Norton Health Walks, Woodlands Walking Group & Olive and Denis Wall. These are short organised walks, designed with health in mind, which are perfect for those who would like to become more active or perhaps lack the confidence and knowledge about where to walk.
Health walks in Doncaster are fantastic as they provide you with the opportunity to visit some of the beautiful and interesting areas of Doncaster, meet new people and do some exercise at the same time!!
There are walks to suit all abilities and the Walk Leaders main aim is to ensure that you enjoy being outdoors by pointing out interesting facts along the way. Some of the walks will use the same routes each week in the local area. All walks are free of charge.
You do not need any special clothing for the walks but it is advised to wear shoes that are comfortable, provide good support and don't cause blisters, and a waterproof jacket just in case it rains! If it's a warm day take a bottle of water.
To support these developments, Doncaster is providing training throughout the year to train volunteers to become health walk leaders. This training is open to anyone who is interested in leading Health Walks within Doncaster. The minimum age for training is 18.
The course covers:
Benefits of exercise, motivating people to walk, demonstration health walk, components of a health walk and monitoring safety and effectiveness, physical activity and special conditions, safety, how to lead a walk and essential paperwork.
Upon completion of the full day course, participants will be awarded a nationally recognised certificate. All participants are also given a training manual to take home.
The cost is £15 per person, or free of charge for volunteers working with Doncaster residents. There are only 20 places per course on a first come first served basis - so book early!
We currently have a waiting list for training. Please contact Dean Wiffen on 01302 735403 or dean.wiffen@doncaster.gov.uk for further details.
There is a wealth of opportunities in Doncaster for you to get walking:-
Doncaster Ramblers - walk on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, with easier shorter local walks on Wednesday evenings in the summer. They publish a Walks Programme twice a year (available from the Blue Building Tourist Information Centre on High Street). For further information visit www.doncasterramblers.org or contact Catherine Palmer on 01302 783613.
Nordic Walking - You can learn about Nordic Walking and its many benefits for health while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Brodswoth Community Woodland and Bentley Community Woodland. The Forestry Commission has qualified Nordic Walking Instructors to guide you on this new fitness craze. Sessions are free and you will need to book in advance. For further information please contact 01302 820278.
Women Only Walks - These walks are aimed at encouraging women who do not wish to walk alone and would like to stay active and join other like minded people for healthy exercise and companionship. Walks vary in length. For more information, contact Keely Brindley at The Forestry Commission on 01302 820278
