Ramblers stepped out with Steve Brine MP on a walk to Abbotts Worthy to demonstrate the importance of walking for the health and wellbeing of Winchester on Sunday 27th October.
A recent YouGov survey revealed that, alarmingly, a quarter of adults walk for an hour or less a week¹ -including everyday walking to the shops, to work or to school. The Ramblers is now calling for a walking revolution to get people across Hampshire to their feet – asking for greater investment in the places people walk and more initiatives to help get people walking.
Two thirds of adults aren't doing enough physical activity for good health² and walking is one of the most easy and accessible ways for people to get more active - but in order for people to get the benefits of walking there have to be good quality local paths and green spaces for people to explore, as well as projects and advice to help people get started.
Winchester Ramblers hold regular local walks of varying lengths from 3 to 11 miles and are inviting people to join them to discover the fun, friendship and fresh-air of walking with a group. They also work to protect local paths for everyone to enjoy and recently have been replacing stiles with kissing gates in the St Cross area.
Derrick Hudson, Ramblers chair, said: "We know walking is one of the most accessible, achievable and enjoyable ways to get people in Winchester more active.
"There are beautiful places to walk all around Winchester. Steve Brine MP has joined us for a walk to discover firsthand the benefits of walking and we'd love for you to join us too. For more information visit our website at winchesterramblers.org.uk or telephone 01962 775530"
Steve Brine MP said: "Popcorn and I enjoyed our morning with The Winchester Ramblers who could not have made us more welcome. It was very useful for me to hear more about their group, which numbers more than 500 members, and the various projects they are involved with such as replacing old stiles and gates with more accessible alternatives.
"I think rambling is a great way to spend your leisure time, I am sure our local group will continue to go from strength to strength."
Pictured; Steve and Popcorn join Winchester Ramblers on a glorious Sunday morning.
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