Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Stepping Out in Stockton: Health Walks

Walking is set to play a bigger role in creating a healthier nation. Described by health experts as 'almost perfect exercise', walking requires no equipment or expense and is the ideal way for most people to become more active. Seven out of every ten people in this country are not physically active enough to benefit their health!

It's good to walk!

Regular walking has been proven to provide many health benefits, particularly if undertaken for five thirty-minute sessions each week. There are both long and short term benefits to regular walking. In the long term it can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, bowel cancer and reduce the development of osteoporosis.

The short term benefits of regular walking include weight loss, better strength and mobility, improved mood and a general feeling of better health and wellbeing.

In short, walking regularly can improve many aspects of your life. Most importantly, its free and no special equipment is required as all walks are along hard surfaces; most of our walks are accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users.

Did you know?

Walking briskly for 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week, without a change in diet, can make you lose 18lbs in a year.

Group and independent walking

Walking as part of one of our groups can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Group walk details can be found below, and are a great way to discover more of your local neighbourhoods. All group walks are lead by a qualified walk leader and back up leader, allowing all abilities of walkers to attend.

Independent walking is a perfect time for quiet reflection, especially when walking through the local countryside. Please find below, independent walking maps, which give suggested routes for walks that can be undertaken at your leisure.

For more information visit Stepping out in Stockton or Countryside & Greenspace.