Archived press release

Date Published: 12/01/07

Residents in Aylesbury Vale who are looking to get back into shape after Christmas are invited to take part in a series of free health walks. The ‘Heart and Sole’ health walks, organised by AVDC, take place in and around Aylesbury, Ha...

Residents in Aylesbury Vale who are looking to get back into shape after Christmas are invited to take part in a series of free health walks.

The ‘Heart and Sole’ health walks, organised by AVDC, take place in and around Aylesbury, Haddenham and Wendover and are open to people of all ages.

The walks are led by trained volunteers and allow people to walk at a pace comfortable to them. They range in distance from two to four miles and take in places of local interest, such as Tythrop House, the Grand Union Canal and Wendover Woods.

Booking a place on the walks is unnecessary as there are no restrictions on numbers, but people are advised to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. Some walks avoid stiles and are buggy friendly, making them suitable for young children and their parents.

Walking as a form of exercise provides many benefits to the body and mind, including increased energy, better quality sleep, reduction in stress, better weight management, reduction in blood pressure and generally keeps our hearts strong.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit and healthy, then the Heart and Sole health walks may be just the thing you need. Not only do the walks help you lose weight, relieve stress and anxiety and improve energy levels, they also provide you with a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. The scheme has been very popular but we want to get lots more people walking in Aylesbury Vale.”

The next walk takes place on 14 January, and leaves from outside the library in Banks Road, Haddenham, at 2pm for a four mile walk. 

The programme continues in Wendover from the Clock Tower in the High Street at 10am on 16 January for a two mile walk. It is then followed by a two mile walk in Aylesbury from the Healthy Living Centre in Walton Court at 12pm. You can also enjoy a two mile walk around Bedgrove, starting at Jansel Square post office, at 12.15pm on the same day.

The full programme, which continues until April, is available on the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

You can also get a programme from council offices, health centres and local libraries or by phoning Joe Houston on 01296 585173 or emailing jhouston@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk