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'Stepping out in Suffolk' health walks

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Stepping out logo

The benefits of walking

Improve your health by joining us on our walks. Health walks are for everyone, especially those who may be recovering from illness or need to improve their exercise levels, but most of all they are fun and sociable. You walk with trained leaders and at your own pace.

Regular walking can have positive effects on:

  • Regular walking can benefit your healthPersonal and social well being.
  • Improved life expectancy.
  • More confidence.
  • Weight control.
  • Better stamina.
  • Better energy levels.
  • Improved balance.
  • Reduced coronary heart disease.
  • Reduced type 2 diabetes.
  • Reduced high blood pressure.
  • Reduced risk of strokes.
  • Reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Quick or slow - everyone can walk at their own pace. There are always at least two trained walk leaders, one at the front and one at the back. Ideally, to get maximum health benefit, you should walk at a brisk pace - as if you are slightly late for an appointment. You should feel a little warmer, breathe a bit deeper and your heart beat a bit faster. Don’t worry if you feel you cannot achieve this. We realise that you may not have exercised for some time and you will need to build up gradually. Any walking is better than none.

Walks typically last between 35 minutes and one hour and finish at a café or public house when you are invited to join us for some light refreshments.

  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Bring a drink.
  • Friends are welcome.
  • Enjoy good company.
  • Children are allowed accompanied by a responsible person.
  • Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead.

We look forward to meeting you!

If you would like any more information please contact the Walks Team on 01394 444501 or email walks@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Walk programmes in your area

Way-marked health walks

Health walk way-markThree way-marked health walks have been created for people who wish to walk independently. These are marked at half mile intervals with plaques bearing the 'Stepping Out' symbol. Follow the links below for maps showing the routes and distances.

Aldeburgh health walk (new window PDF 190KB) - walk along the seafront from the Fort Green car park to the Haven car park opposite the 'Scallop' sculpture on the beach, flat and surfaced all the way.

Felixstowe health walk (new window PDF 216KB) - walk along the promenade and sea front from the Spa Pavilion to the Sea Road car park, flat and surfaced all the way.

Woodbridge health walk (new window PDF 263KB) - walk along the riverside from the Tide Mill on a flat surfaced path with an alternative return route on roughish tracks.

Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF files.

Volunteer health walk leaders wanted

We are keen to expand the programme to many more areas in Suffolk but desperately need more volunteers to lead walks or act as back marker to make sure no one gets lost.

If you like walking, have a little bit of free time, like meeting people and want to be part of a supportive network then please come and join us. Free training and insurance is available to all walk leaders.

To find out more contact the Walks Team on 01394 444501 or email walks@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Health walks were set up in 2003 as part of the ‘Stepping out in Suffolk’ programme. NHS trusts, local authorities and voluntary organisations promote this programme with the aim of improving health through walking.

Supported by Suffolk PCT logoSuffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership logo

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