Did you know that a 30 minute walk could keep the doctor away?
Many people think of walking as just recreational and not really exercise, but that daily walk can be hugely beneficial to your health. It can help you build stability, stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier– and it’s free to do!
Health and Social Walks
Want to walk with others? Then why not take part in one of the Health and Social Walks in place across West Dunbartonshire. Joining in can help you get out and about, meet new people and socialise with friends or family, all at the same time.
In West Dunbartonshire, we are lucky to have local parks and green spaces where we can walk safely and comfortably, but you can take the opportunity to walk a bit more wherever you are.
Health and Social Walks are supported by a volunteer Walk Leader. A number of walks have also been risk assessed to be dementia and wheeling friendly. If you have any questions, please contact us on 0141 941 0886 or by emailing info@wdcvs.com.
Interested in getting involved, but would like to try a walk or two out before signing up?
You can view our photographic route maps here.
Interested in joining our Walk Leader team?
Maybe you would be happy to become a Health Walk Leader? In the role, you will support a group walk following an agreed local route. You will encourage and support others of varying abilities to become more active, at a pace that suits everyone’s needs. In turn you will receive free training and the supported of our Walking Coordinator. Reliability is important so we ask Walk Leaders to commit to volunteering with us over at least a 6-month period.
To find out more just get in touch by emailing walking@wdcvs.com or calling 0141 941 0886.
Angela - Volunteer Walk Leader
“Walking isn’t just about exercise, It’s great for reducing social isolation”
Walk Leader Training
We also provide free walk leader training for other local organisations considering starting their own health walks. We can also support you to get your walk established. Get in touch at walking@wdcvs.com or by calling 0141 941 0886.
Walking Friendly West Dunbartonshire (WFWD)
Supported by NHSGGC and Paths for All, Walking Friendly West Dunbartonshire is a partnership of community-based organisations offering FREE accessible health and social walks around the authority area.
Working together, we want to raise awareness of what is already going on across West Dunbartonshire and develop additional walks to meet new demand. The WFWD forum meets quarterly. If you are interested in taking part contact Network Co-ordinator, Daren Borzynski, on 0141 941 0886 or at walking@wdcvs.com
Caitlin - Vale of Leven Trust
"The walk leader training was perfect for giving us a clear idea for what a Health Walk is and what is expected of us as walk leaders. We covered everything from the reasons people might come for a health walk, what the barriers might be to them joining, to creating risk assessments for when we create our own routes. I left the course feeling ready to get out there and get walking!"