Walking: is the easiest and cheapest way of keeping fit and the exercise so many turned to during the pandemic. Do you remember the one hour a day we were allowed to exercise outside for during the first lockdown and how we used to make the most of the time beyond the confines of our homes?
It is almost two years on and many have continued with their walking, having seen the benefits in both their physical and mental health. We at the Lighthouse have known this for some time and the participants in our walking group will wholeheartedly agree.
When, in July 2020, we were allowed to meet up outside in groups of six we were so pleased to see our ‘hard core’ of about eight walkers turn up week after week. For some it was a chance to have a good chin-wag and catch up with those who had become old friends; for others it was a lifeline, the only social contact they had during the week.
Gradually we have regained some sort of normality. We have welcomed many new faces to the group and persuaded some ‘old’ members to train as walk leaders. This has come at the same time as the Ramblers have rebranded the ‘Walk and Talk’ walks as the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks.
This illustrates the value placed on walking as part of a group, with leaders who will welcome you, lead the walks in an informed way with stops for chats, observations on what we see around us and even a bit of banter! In addition, the Lighthouse group can now return to base, appetites whetted after being in the open air, for one of Dave’s freshly-made sandwiches and a piece of Margaret’s cake.
The walks take place every Friday, for which no experience is necessary, setting off from the Lighthouse at 12 noon promptly. They last no more than 1 ½ hours. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us on 0161 643 1163 or speak to Margaret, one of the Lighthouse volunteers and a trained leader. We do ask you to complete a registration form and to sign up for the walks each week so we know how many to cater for.
Happy Walking!
The Lighthouse Wellbeing Walks Team (Anthony, Karen, Margaret, Peter, Richard and Yvonne)
