Regular physical activity is great for your mental and physical health and is great fun.

The Chief Medical Officer recommends that to benefit health adults take part in at least half an hour of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days a week. Walking is a great way to help achieve this.

These schemes aim to encourage walking for all, at individual’s own pace in a non-competitive and supportive environment.

They are free and are aimed at people who are doing little or no exercise at the moment but who would like to become more active, in a social way.

There are a range of walks from short walks ideal for those recovering from illness or who feel nervous about being active to moderate walks that are ideal for those who are able to walk further but would prefer to walk with others.

All walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders and are risk assessed to ensure that they are safe and suitable for those attending.

By starting with short, easy walks and building-up, people can develop their interest, talk, exercise and meet new people.

NHS Devon helps promote these schemes working in partnership with local councils and other organisations.

By clicking on the links below you can find the details of walks taking place in your area.

There is no need to book for the walks – just turn up on the day.

Axminster (February 2012 to July 2012)

Barnstaple (Walking for Health /  Natural England link)

Coombe Martin (Walking for Health /  Natural England link)

Dartmouth (May 2012 to August 2012)

Exeter (April to September 2012)

Exmouth - Tuesdays and Saturdays (May 2012 - July 2012)

Exmouth - Wednesdays Summer walks (May 2012 - August 2012)

Honiton (February 2012 to July 2012)

Horrabridge (May 2012 to October 2012) 

Ilfracombe (Walking for Health /  Natural England link)

Ivybridge (from May 2011)

Kingsbridge (Walk & Talk  / January 2012 - April 2012)

Kingsbridge (Walk & Talk Extra / February 2012 - May 2012)

Okehampton (April 2012 to June 2012)

Mid Devon covering Tiverton, Cullompton, Silverton, Hemyock, Crediton and Eggesford (April to September 2012)

Sidmouth - see Honiton above

Silverton (April to September 2012)

South Brent (April 2012)

South Molton (Walking for Health /  Natural England link)

Starcross - see Exminster above

Tavistock (March 2012 to May 2012)

Tiverton (April to September 2012)

Torridge (Walking for Health /  Natural England link)

Totnes (May 2012 to July 2012)

Westbank Health Walks – covering Exminster, Kenton & Starcross (2012)


Other areas may be added in the future.

For further details contact:

• Axminster, Sidmouth, Honiton & Exmouth walks please contact Andrew Dare on 01404 814317 or adare@ledleisure.co.uk.

• Exeter, Cullompton, Crediton, Hemyock, Silverton, Tiverton, and Westbank Health Walks - contact Penny Scoynes on telephone 01392 824752 or email at p.scoynes@westbankfriends.org

• Okehampton and Tavistock - contact Kate Wright on telephone 07920 786505 or 01822 813571 or email at kwright@westdevon.gov.uk

• Moretonhampstead - contact Annabel Allen, 5 X 30 Activator on telephone 01626 215603 or email at Annabel.allen@teignbridge.gov.uk

• Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, South Brent, Totnes and Dartmouth - contact Kate Wright on telephone 07920 786505 or 01822 813571 or email at kate.wright@southhams.gov.uk

Useful links:

• Walks with buggies
• Walks with wheelchairs
• Natural England - Walking for Health