West Northumberland Health Walks Health walks were set up to encourage people to make walking a regular part of their lives Walking can help and/or prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Regular walking can also help combat depression, loneliness and weight problems. As well as being a great way to exercise, the walks are a great way of meeting others. We have 8 weekly walks in West Northumberland leaving from Allendale, Bellingham, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Prudhoe, Stocksfield and Wark. You can walk with as many groups as you like. Each walk will take from one to one and a half hours and may include some ascents and descents. Some groups have extended walks as well as the regular walks and all groups have additional short walks (from 10mins to 30mins) once a month for beginners or those with health problems which prevent them doing the full hour walk. All walks are lead and back marked by trained, insured volunteers who are there to guide the walk and help you enjoy it but are not medically trained and you will be walking at your own risk. The walk leaders may have to change the walk route at the last minute due to weather conditions or if not enough shared transport is available on the car walks. You do not need a car to take part in the walks. All of our walks are completely FREE Only assistance dogs are allowed on the walks New walkers There is no need to book, just turn up a few minutes before the start of the walk and make yourself known to the leader. You will be asked to fill out a short health questionnaire. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes with a good grip. It is a good idea to carry some water and some small change as some groups go for a coffee after the walk. Please do not leave the group during a walk without informing the leader or back marker. Grades of Walks 1* Suitable for those who have not walked before and are looking to be more active. Walks are up to 30 minutes on flat or gently sloping ground with mainly firm surfaces and no steps or stiles. Walkers will start with the main group but have a dedicated leader who will return with them when they have had enough. 2 Suitable for those looking to increase their activity levels. Between 30 and 60 minutes long, these walks may include some moderate slopes, steps, stiles and uneven surfaces 3 Suitable for those looking for a more challenging walk and to increase their activity. Walks are between 45 and 90 minutes long and may include steeper slopes, steps, stiles and uneven surfaces For further information contact health walks co-ordinator at: or

Date LocationShared Transport Stiles *Jan 4MerryshieldsNN 11Corbridge Kilns Bring&share lunch YN 18FordsNN 25SpetchellsYN *Feb 1Bywell Sod HallNN 8Stephenson’s CottageYN 15Bywell HallNN 22Broomley VillageYN 29 Prudhoe RiversideYN *Mar 7FordsNN 14Hospital WoodsYN 21Bywell HallNN 28Easter Monday – NO WALK *Apr 4MerryshieldsNN 11HealeyYN 18High MickleyYN 25NewtonYN May 2Broomley Woods (new)NN 9Horsley WoodsYN 16Broomley Village (new)YN 23Dilston HaughsYN 30May Bank Holiday – NO WALK *June 6Bywell ChurchesNN 13Riding MillYN 20Broomley WoodsNN 27Corbridge MillYN Stocksfield Health Walks January to June 2016 MEET AT STOCKSFIELD STATION CAR PARK EVERY MONDAY AT 10.00am *Suitable for beginners and those not able to do the full walk