New guide to get Allerdale walking

People in Workington and Maryport are being encouraged to get out and about in their area and walk their way to better health.

NHS Cumbria, Allerdale Borough Council, Active Cumbria and the Forestry Commission are working together to make it as easy as possible for people to get fit and healthy through gentle exercise such as walking.

Specially designed ‘doorstep walk’ guides have been created which suggest walking routes which people in Maryport and Workington can do from their own doorstep.

Media are invited to attend a launch of the ‘doorstep walks’ at the main entrance to Vulcans Park on Vulcans Lane opposite Emmanuel Church, Workington on Thursday July 29 at 10:30am. Interviews will be available and reporters and photographers are welcome to join volunteers on a short guided walk as laid out in the new 'doorstep walks' guide.

The resource pack promotes exercise to local communities and anyone picking up the packs will discover a selection of short, gentle walks within easy reach of both towns.

Walking is a great way for people to improve their health and the suggested routes, are easily accessible and follow good footpaths. The aim is to encourage people to do at least 30 minutes of gentle exercise at least three times a week to improve their overall health and boost their mood also.

The packs soon start to be available in local GP surgeries, libraries and community centres.

Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri is NHS Cumbria’s lead GP for Allerdale and a Maryport GP. He said: "Walking is a great way for people to get the exercise they need and as a result improve their health and wellbeing. It is also the perfect moderate activity for people who aren’t used to doing exercise, to start them off on the right track.

"Just 30 minutes of exercise such as brisk walking (enough to work up a sweat) three times a week will help to not only make you feel better in yourself but it will also reduce blood pressure, weight and risk factors of heart disease.

"By creating these packs the hard work has already been done and it’s so easy for people across Allerdale to pick one up at their GP surgery or library and see what walks of different lengths are available across the area. I hope lots of people will take this opportunity to get out and about and encourage others to do the same."

Councillor Sam Standage, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for Sports and Green Spaces, said: "We hope that these doorstep walk guides will encourage more people to get out and about to enjoy the wonderful environments that we have here in Allerdale – whether it be local parks, coastal walks or even nature reserves. It’s an added bonus that something as simple as a brisk walk can help to keep people fit and healthy."

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