Walking for Health

Walking around Essex

Basildon Borough, Braintree District, Brentwood Borough, Castlepoint Borough, Chelmsford City, Colchester Borough, Epping Forest District, Harlow District, Maldon District, Rochford District, Tendring District, Uttlesford District

It is National Walking Month this May so get #walkingessex!

Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier. So pledge this month to walk to work, the train or the school run. Tell us where you are heading and share your pictures on our social media pages using hashtag #walkingessex for your chance to win a family ticket worth £30 to Cressing Temple’s Planet Essex Festival on 22nd June, one of 5 £10 Decathlon vouchers and £10 voucher for LAP ACTIVEWEAR leggings.

If you are looking to get out and about in Essex on foot, why not join a local walking event this May or one of a health walk around you or visit our suggested websites below.

Why walk?

“Walking is the nearest activity to the perfect exercise” according to Professors Jerry Morris and Adrienne Hardman in the Walking Works report.
Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.

Walking events this May

Jane’s walks in Colchester from Friday 3rd to Sunday 6th May – An international weekend of local walks led by local people on local themes (‘citizen-led, walking conversations’), taking place in towns and cities around the world including Colchester, honouring the legacy of the urbanist, writer and activist, Jane Jacobs (1916-2006), and marking the anniversary of her birth.
Free Bluebell Walk on Wednesday 8th May from 7 – 9pm on 8 May in High Woods Country Park, Colchester. Visitors can join one of the rangers on a wander through the woods visiting the Park’s bluebell hotspots whilst taking in the sights and smells of this wonderful time of year. Booking is not required for this event.
Health walk on 9th May in Finchingfield organised by Community 360- A chance for you to connect with your surroundings, get moving and meet new people. At 10am from Freshwell Health Centre and then every Thursday.
Take a walk to Bocking Windmill near Braintree– open from 10am to 5pm on 6th, 11th and 27th May – Admission is free of charge but donations towards the upkeep of the Mill is greatly received by Friends of Bocking Windmill volunteers.
Seaside revival day on 26th May– take a walk to the beach with the whole family
If you’d like to spot wildlife on your walk, then the free family-friendly Gosbecks Archaeological Park Wildlife Walk from 10.30am – 12.30pm on 26 May is ideal. Join the ranger to discover what wildlife can be seen across the conservation grassland which should include Skylark singing, Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit and, hopefully, Corn Bunting.

Walking groups and sports in Essex

Walking for Health walks in Essex – view their directory of walks in Braintree, Brentwood, Harlow, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Rochford, Southend and Uttlesford
Essex walks website– search for routes of less than 20 miles. They are nearly all circular, so once you’ve completed your walk, you’ll find yourself back at your car or public transport link.
Essex Ramblers website– Essex Area Rambers help local people enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. They also support local groups to organise regular walks led by local experts – a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness.
Trek Essex – aimed at people in their 20s and 30s looking to explore the county and make new friends. They offer a variety of walks, socials, footpath maintenance parties and weekends away.
Friends of Walking for Wellbeing – an informal group in North Essex. Walks are usually midweek, for half a day, and mainly within the area covered by Braintree District Council. Anyone taking part is responsible for their own safety.
National Trust website– See suggested walks around Essex whether you’re after a long ramble or a short stroll, they know of some great walks you might like to try.
Visit Essex walks– Walk their most famous long-distance 81 mile path, The Essex Way from the London Underground Central Line at Epping to the historic salt-washed port of Harwich or try one of their shorter walks.
Parkrun in Essex– People are just as welcome to come to parkrun if they want to walk the whole way round. Indeed, one of the best things about parkrun and junior parkrun events is that you can run, or jog or walk at entirely your own pace.
Walking sports such as walking hockey, football or netball which are slowed down version of the games, designed for anyone of any age looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment.

Also….

Brentwood

New weekly walk aimed at mums, dads and grandparents with a buggy every Friday at 9.15am from Willowbrook school entrance (Rosen Crescent). For more information email swalmsley@gmail.com.

Harlow

Active Harlow social strollers: Programme of led walks which are free. For more information contact Chris Purvis on 01279 446435 or email chris.purvis@harlow.gov.uk. Dates of walks can be found at www.harlow.gov.uk/events.

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