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Walking for Wellbeing Group in Helensburgh |
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The Walking for Wellbeing initiative started in Helensburgh in February 2005 with the formation of a regular weekly walking group to encourage regular walking as healthy exercise.
Walks have been held every Tuesday morning leaving the Swimming Pool at 1030 and numbers have varied each week from as few as 6 to a very busy 22. Attendance seems to depend on the weather.
However it is surprising how relatively few walks have been conducted in the rain and most walks have been completed in dry conditions.
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Those who feel able to tackle inclines and uneven paths have visited a number of paths in the Helensburgh Green Belt including local woodlands such as Duchess Woods,Blackhill Plantation, Garrawy Glen and the Drumfork Wood.
The Duchess Woods in particular has a number of good quality paths and is benefiting from being a Local Nature Reserve thanks to the initiatives of Lower Clyde Greenspace, the Helensburgh Green Belt Group and other enthusiasts. Some walkers have even tackled the Highlandman’s Road from Rhu to Helensburgh.
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Also with help of the Lions Club mini bus (donation of £1 or 50p for cost of diesel) trips have gone to Rhu, Glen Fruin and Loch Lomondside where different walks have been conducted.
The variety of wildlife in these places adds to the enjoyment and birds such as Grey Herons, Buzzards and Pheasants have been seen regularly.
People participating in the walks have covered all age groups and have included a wide range of fitness levels. |
Those recovering from or coping with an illness or condition have attended as have those whose main wish is to lose a little bit of weight through joining in regular gentle exercise.
The overall benefits of physical activity for older people are well established and those who are regularly active are more likely to remain independent for longer. Thus a good number of regular walkers are those of mature years who enjoy walking in company and having a chat as they go along.
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Walks continue throughout the winter with only a short two week break over the Christmas and New Year period.
Anyone interested in participating in these walks should just arrive at the Swimming Pool at 1015 on Tuesdays with solid footwear and clothes suitable for the weather.
Everyone will be made most welcome and can attend as often or as little as they wish. There are minimal costs attached if you wish to have a cup of tea/coffee at the end or if the walk involves the mini bus when a small donation of 50 pence or £1 is taken to cover fuel costs.
Everyone is welcome so, if Tuesday morning is suitable, come along and give it a try.
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