May is National Walking Month so let’s all step outside and get moving!

Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve physical and mental health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.

Also, by swapping a short drive for a short walk you can help reduce air pollution and congestion and save yourself some money and keep active in the process!

Did you know that a 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of a number of preventable health conditions, including certain cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes?

Walking just 20-minutes a day can burn up to 100 calories, and if we walked to work every day for a year you would save 17kg of carbon dioxide from being released into the environment – not only good for you, but good for the planet.

It’s not always practical to walk to work of course, but maybe a quick 20-minute lunchtime walk could work for you.

Join one of Halton’s many Health Walks this May, take a picture on route and enter our walking month competition this May.

Paula Parle, scheme coordinator for Halton Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting National Walking Month again this May. Our amazing volunteer walk leaders help all sorts of people to enjoy the many health benefits that regular walking brings, providing support and friendship every step of the way.

“Our walkers have a great deal of fun, making new friends and getting to know their local area. Many of us know we should be more active, so why not join us this May and let us welcome you along to our next walk.”

Halton runs a variety of walks that around 60 minutes in length and a couple of short 30-minute walks each week. By keeping walks short, new walkers and those with long term health conditions will feel more confident getting started.

Further info about Halton Health Walks: call Paula Parle on0151 511 8550 or check our webpage https://activehalton.co.uk/walking/

Join Halton’s Photo Competition

Take a picture on one of our health walks during May 2023 and be entered into a competition:

It is open to anybody attending one of our Health Walks this May.

Your picture can be of anything you see on route, scenery, people etc.

If your picture includes people, please ensure they have given permission for their pictures to be used on social media.

Submit picture (one per person) before end of May to paula.parle@halton.gov.uk or share on our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Walking-for-Health-Halton-482818178431169/

One lucky winner and one runner-up will be chosen for prizes of £20 and £10 vouchers.