Walking
Simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get active. Brisk walking means picking up the pace to get your heart rate going to unlock the most health benefits.
Why is it good for me?
A brisk ten minute walk can make a huge difference to your health – it gets the heart pumping faster, can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time, brisk walking can help to lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Whether you’re walking to work, stepping out at lunchtime, walking to the shops or local park or taking the dog for a walk, brisk walking can be simple to fit into your everyday life.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Walking is free and can even save you money on travel costs.
What equipment do I need?
The good news is you don’t have to wear sports kit or start an expensive fitness programme!
But you can download the free Active 10 app from One You, which shows how much brisk walking you’re doing, where you can increase your pace and fit more into your day.
Getting started
A great way to get started is to join a local walking group.
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks is England’s largest network of wellbeing walks, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle. Active Cumbria manage the Cumbria Ramblers Wellbeing Walks scheme, we have group walks around the county that are led by friendly, specially trained volunteers and staff from various organisations inc the NHS who are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and make sure no one gets left behind.
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are short and over easy terrain, and are open to everyone but are especially aimed at those who are least active.
Have a look at the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Cumbria page
Other resources to help you get started!
Active 10 is a campaign from Public Health England. A daily brisk 10 minute walk can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time it can also help lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. You can download a free Active 10 app here. It shows you how much brisk walking you’re doing, where you can increase your pace and fit more into your day.
Walking in Cumbria - Free Walks
Ordnance Survey - Plan a route
The Hiking Household - Family Friendly Walks
Wildlife Walks in Cumbria - free guides
Walks to Live Longer Better!
Active Cumbria has supported the Hiking Household to develop a series of six walking maps to help make it easier for people to get started and enjoy walks on their doorstep. The project has been funded through The Reconditioning Fund - a funding source which supports our Live Longer Better in Cumbria programme. Maps available in the series include:
- Petteril Valley, Carlisle
- Pategill, Penrith
- Vulcans Park, Workington
- The Whitehaven to Ennerdale Cycle Path, Cleator Moor
- Lightburn Park, Ulverston
- Barrow Park, Barrow-in-Furness
Use the links above to download the maps.