The Walk for Health scheme is a programme of fun, free and accessible volunteer-led walks, bringing people together to socialise and motivate one another.
The walks last between 30 - 90 minutes, ideal for anyone who would like to start becoming more active or keep fit and healthy. Walking can help us to feel happier and healthier, reducing the risk of heart disease and conditions such as breast cancer and dementia.
The scheme is part of the National Walking for Health network which currently has 70,000 regular walkers taking part across the country. We are passionate about setting up health walks in the beautiful district of Mole Valley. Just bring yourself, comfortable shoes and clothing, sunglasses and a bottle of water on sunny days and an umbrella and waterproofs if raining.
If you would be interested in joining us on future walks then please get in touch and we will keep you informed as our programme develops.
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Walk for Health walkers can get a 30% discount when they join the Ramblers.
Return of walks
It has been lovely to see some of your faces again and welcome you back to our walks albeit in smaller groups.
So far, most walks have been fully booked and walkers have enjoyed shared fitness and conversation at a social distance.
We are now in a position to increase group numbers from September, so please sign up for a walk using the correct email address and reap the benefits of exercise and companionship again. We look forward to seeing you!
Health walks have resumed under new guidelines and with a limit to numbers.
- Any walkers/volunteers showing signs of Covid-19 symptoms on the walk will need to leave the walk immediately and self isolate for seven days.
- Should any walkers fall ill with Covid symptoms after attending a walk, they should immediately inform the walk leader to allow for Track and Trace.
- Please do not attend walks if you have any symptoms.
Find out more about COVID-19, and what you should do if you have symptoms on the NHS website.
- Only five places will be available per walk.
- In order to book a place on a first come first served basis please use contact details given in the table below. You can only book your place from 6 days in advance and up until 24 hours in advance.
- If you have to cancel please email 24 hours in advance.
Timetable of Walks
A revised timetable started the week commencing Tuesday 14 July: -
Dorking
When: Tuesday 14 July 10.30am (every week)
Meet: Outside reception, Mole Valley District Council Offices, RH4 1SJ
Duration: 60 minutes
Walk Leader: Estelle Holmes/ Stephanie Christensen
Booking contact: wellbeing@molevalley.gov.uk
North Holmwood
When: Wednesday 15 July 10.30am (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month)
Meet: Inholms Car Park, North Holmwood, RH5 4HH
Duration: 90 minutes
Walk Leader: Rosemary Hobbs and Sue Cox
Booking contact: wellbeing@molevalley.gov.uk
Buckland
When: Thursday 16 July 10.30am (3rd Thursday of the month)
Meet: Rectory Lane Buckland War Memorial, RH3 7BH
Duration: 60 - 90 minutes
Walk Leader: Mandy Cooper
Booking contact: mandycooper1@yahoo.co.uk
Brockham
When: Thursday 6 August 10.30am (1st Thursday of the month)
Meet: Dorking Rugby Club Car Park, Brockham Big Field, RH3 7LZ
Duration: 60 - 90 minutes
Walk Leader: John Hartley
Booking contact: johnrlhartley309@gmail.com
Diabetes
When: 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday of the month in Leatherhead. 2nd & 4th Monday of the month at Denbies Wine Estate. All walks begin at 10am.
Meet: 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday meet at The Swan Centre, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH. 2nd & 4th Monday of the month meet at Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, RH5 6AA. Meet in car park opposite farm shop and look for walk leader.
Duration: 60 - 90 minutes
Walk Leader: Laura
Booking contact: To book your place contact Laura on 07954 013496 or email ldwalk1@virginmedia.com
For Bumps to Buggies walks, please contact Jenny on their Facebook page.
Changes and additional walks
Please be aware of the new parking arrangements for Brockham and Buckland walks.
Volunteer Walk Leaders Needed
We can only set up new walks and develop our programme with the help of volunteers. Each walk has a Volunteer Walk Leader and Back Marker to enable each walker to go at a pace that is comfortable for them. Training, support and equipment is provided for all volunteers. If you are enthusiastic about walking, would like to help others get active and can give one morning, afternoon or evening a week then why not get in touch? Walks can take place anywhere in Mole Valley, during the daytime or evening and are a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
For more information, please contact Estelle Holmes at estelle.holmes@molevalley.gov.uk or 01306 879292.
Meet our lovely Walk Leaders
We currently have more than 20 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, all with a shared passion for walking!
Vivian Adams
Viv takes the Denbies walk and keeps everyone on their toes!
Walk: Denbies
Susan Cox & Rosemary Hobbs
Susan (left) loves to combine walking with a 'good chat'. Rosemary has a good knowledge of the common and loves being outdoors.
Walk: North Holmwood
Rosemary Horton
Rosemary helps with the Leatherhead walk from the Leisure Centre and always has a smile on her face!
Walk: Leatherhead
Mandy Cooper
Walking is so beneficial to our health and mental state. We all love to chat and everybody is always made to feel very welcome. The most important thing on our walks is smiles and laughter!
Walks: Brockham and Buckland
Sheila Baddeley
Sheila believes walking is beneficial on two levels - not only is it doing us good physically but mentally too. Conversations flow, friendships are formed, and it's much cheaper than the gym!
Walk: Bookham Common