People are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and celebrate National Walking Month this May by joining one of the many free walks which take place around the city.

The community and voluntary sector led Walking for Health group organises a regular programme of walks lasting from between 15 and 90 minutes and taking place in different parts of the city, including Ashmore Park, Bantock Park, Penn, Dixon Street Park, Heath Town, Himley and Baggeridge, Pendeford, Perton, Phoenix Park, Springvale Park, Tettenhall and West Park. 

The walks are especially suited for people who currently don't do much walking but who want to get healthier, fitter and be happier; some of the walks are wheelchair and pushchair friendly and some also have places selling refreshments en route.

The full programme is as follows:

  • Ashmore Park, Tuesdays 10.30am, meet at The Hub, Griffiths Drive
     
  • Bantock Park, Tuesdays 10.30am, Thursdays 10.30am and Saturdays 2.30pm, meet outside the Tea Rooms
     
  • Penn, Fridays 10.30am, meet in the Boundary Way Allotments
     
  • Dixon Street Park, Tuesdays 10.30am, Thursdays 10.30am, meet at Kent Road entrance
     
  • Heath Town, Thursdays 10am, meet at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bushbury Road
     
  • Himley and Baggeridge, every first Sunday of the month 10.30am, meet at Golf Club Café, Himley Hall Park
     
  • Pendeford, Fridays 10.30am, meet at Oasis Community Café, Whitburn Close
     
  • Perton, fourth Tuesday of the month and last Sunday of the month at 10.30am, meet at the Civic Centre
     
  • Phoenix Park, Mondays 9am, Wednesdays 9am and Fridays 9am, meet at the children’s play area
     
  • Springvale Park, Tuesdays 10am, meet at the car park, Ettingshall Park Farm Lane
     
  • Tettenhall, Thursdays 2.15pm, meet at the MS Therapy Centre, off Tettenhall Road
     
  • West Park, every weekday 10.15am, meet at the shelter by the Devon Road entrance
     
  • West Park, Sundays 10.30am, meet at West Park tea room

For more information, please visit Wolverhampton Walking for Health  or contact Walking for Health coordinator Angela Wallace on 07913 800712 or via email at angelawallace151@gmail.com. 

John Denley, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Public Health, said: "Walking is not just an excellent social activity, but also brings with it a huge number of health benefits. 

"It has a positive effect on the heart, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease, strengthens bones and muscles, improves balance and coordination and can help maintain a healthy weight. Evidence also suggests that just a 20 minute walk per day helps prevent and manage chronic illnesses, and can also help prevent dementia."

Angela added: "Walking is well known to be good for our health but it also has many mental health and social wellbeing benefits.

“Being part of a group feels safer and has the opportunity to make new friends at the same time as improving your health.

“Our walks are led by dedicated and friendly walk leaders and take place in the lovely parks and green spaces in and around our city. Everyone is welcome, all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes."

National Walking Month – #WalkThisMay – is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. For more information, please visit Living Streets.