The walks programme from the Healthy Living Team have a range of different walks including Health Walks and Progression walks which are led by qualified, friendly Volunteer Walks Leaders, St Helens Council Rangers and Healthy Living Team Staff.
Health Walk – Beginners
Suitable for people who have not walked much before, are looking to be more active, or are returning from injury or illness. They are usually between 30-45 minutes
Health Walk – Intermediate
Suitable for people who are looking to increase their activity levels. They are between 30-60 minutes and may include some moderate slopes and uneven surfaces. Ideal for building up to the progression walks.
Progression Walks
These walks are more than 90 minutes in duration and are likely to include slopes, steps, stiles, and uneven surfaces walking at a brisk pace.
St Helens Healthy Living Team are an accredited Walking for Health scheme, whose aim is to have people able to attend FREE walks whatever the weather, for however long that is suitable to them.
Walking can…. Keep your heart strong. Give more energy. Reduce high blood pressure.
And remember….
All the walks are free of charge.
Please come prepared with suitable footwear and clothing.
Bring a drink of water.
All new walkers need to arrive at the walk 10m ins before the walk starts.
Health Walks – Beginners
Monday
1pm. 30 minutes. Lunch Time Lap Town Hall Walk. Meet at the Town Hall steps and enjoy the walk around fosters Park.
Suitable for most pushchairs. Suitable for wheelchairs.
June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
July 2nd, 9th, 16th , 23rd, 30th.
Wednesday.
1pm. 30 to 60 minutes. Taylor Park. Meet at Taylor Park Boat House for a walk around the lake and then a walk in the park.
Suitable for most pushchairs. Suitable for wheelchairs.
Cafe. Toilets. Parking.
June 6th
July 4th, 18th
Thursday
12.30pm. 30 minutes. Victoria Park Stroll. Meet at Bistro near Mansion House
Suitable for most pushchairs. Suitable for wheelchairs.
Cafe. Toilets. Parking.
June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Thursday
10am. 45 minutes. The Earlestown Walk.Meet at the Forum Cafe by the Market Square, Stanley Street and go down and around the Dingle.
June 28th
July 26th
Health Walks – Intermediate
Friday
10am. 45-90 minutes. Wargrave Walk. Meet at Newton Community Centre, Park Road. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for most pushchairs. Suitable for wheelchairs.
Toilets
June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Progression Walks
These walks are more than 90 minutes in duration and are very likely to include slopes, steps and uneven surfaces. The walks will be at a very brisk pace, we would advise you to try out the health Walks before attending these to build up stamina.
Monday
1.30pm. 90 minutes. Siding Lane Nature Reserve, Rainford. Meet at Visitor Centre, Siding Lane, Car Park off A570. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles.
Parking.
June 18th
July 16th
Tuesday
1.30pm. 2 Hours. Bankes Park. Meet at main entrance of A571, Billinge. Some steep slopes.
Parking.
June 26th
July 24th
Tuesday.
1.30pm. 2 Hours. Sankey Valley Walk. Meet at the visitor centre, Blackbrook Road, St Helens.
Parking.
June 12th
July 10th
Wednesday
1.30pm. 2 Hours. Wheatacre Walk. Meet at Burtonwood Playground Carpark, Gorsey Lane. Includes steep slope as going over to Bold Moss – alternative route available.
Parking.
June 6th, 27th
July 18th
Wednesday.
1pm. 1 hour to 90 minutes. The pastures and evergreen way walk. Meet at the noticeboard at on The Pastures WA9 4ZB for a walk around Bold Forest Park / Colliers Moss.
June 20th
July 18th
Wednesday.
1.30pm. 2 Hours. Mesnes Park, Newton-Le-Willows. Meet at Ranger Centre, Park Road North, Just off Newton High Street.
Parking. Toilets.
June 6thh
July 4th
Thursday.
1.30pm. 90 minutes. Bold Loop Walk. Starting at the Griffin Inn, Warrington 13:30 Road, Widnes.
Cafe, Parking, Toilets.
June 14th
July 12th
Thursday.
1pm. 2 Hours. Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, Some rough terrain
Parking. Toilets.
June 14th
Thursday.
1pm. 2 Hours. Fir Tree Farm Walk. May be some steep hills. Meet at Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Road, Kings Moss
Parking. Toilets.
July 12th
Thursday.
6.15pm. 2 hours. Rainford Walk. Meet at car park opposite village hall. Rainford.
Parking
June 14th
July 12th
Saturday.
1.30pm. 90 minutes. Dream Clock Face Country Park. Meet at the Car Park Notice Board, Opposite Clock Face Colliery, Gorsey Lane.
Cafe. Parking. Toilets.
June 2nd
July 7th
Sunday.
2pm. 2 Hours. Rainford Walk. Car Park opposite Village Hall, Rainford
Parking.
June 24th
July 29th
Frequently asked questions
Footwear: For each walk we recommend sensible flat shoes or walking boots. No slip on or high heels.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a lead at all times are welcome. Owners must take responsibility for their own dogs at all times including getting them over stiles etc.
Weather: Walks usually take place whatever the weather.
How much should I do? The recommended amount of physical activity is at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. This can be achieved in bouts of 10 minutes of more. However if you currently do no or little physical activity it is recommended that you start at a low level 1-2 days for 10-15 minutes and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
How hard should I work? The recommendation is 5 x 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. The best way to judge if you’re working hard enough is that you’re breathing slightly faster, feeling warmer and have an increase in heart rate (you should still be able to hold a conversation) Adults should also aim to do at least two days of activity to improve muscle strength and minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary.
What happens if the walk leader doesn’t turn up? If a walk is cancelled, we will try and contact all walkers prior to the walk, update our website and tweet. If we are unable to get in touch with you assume the walk is cancelled if the walk leader does not arrive within 10 minutes.
Is there anything else other than the walks programme that can improve my fitness? We have a Lifestyle Referral scheme which is a programme offering one to one advice and support to local people who want to become more physically active in their daily lives whatever their age or ability. We have a Health Trainer scheme were we offer a Health Plan, and we also do Health Checks which check your blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, waist measurements etc.
Change in Health Status: If you’re health changes please inform your walk leader and complete a new physical activity readiness questionnaire.
Healthy Living Team Links
View the walks programme brochure below (can also be downloaded)
The walks information is correct as at the time of publication.
website www.healthysthelens.co.uk
Twitter: @HealthySTH
email Hit@sthelens.gov.uk
The walks programme and more information can also be found at www.healthysthelens.co.uk or www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
Travel Website: For buses from where you live to the walk please check out
http://www.merseytrayel.co.uk/pages/welcome.aspx
Planning a journey, by, train, bus etc http://www.traveline.info/
