West Lothian Council delivers

Guided walks

 

Also known as "Led walks"

You may be worried about walking alone, therefore a led walk is a good alternative. Walks are led by trained volunteers and take place in the local community. There is always two leaders on each walk, one at the front and one at the back! So you don't have to worry about being left behind. This is important if you are new to physical activity or have recently been unwell and not sure how far you can walk. Led walks provide an opportunity to meet new people and socialise, while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors. Most importantly led walks are free.

What to wear

A pair of comfortable shoes is the only equipment required when you first start walking. So long as they are comfortable and provide good support you shouldn't need to go out and buy something new.
Dress for the weather, plenty of layers means you can take them off if you are too hot. A light water proof jacket is useful in wet weather as we walk all weathers!

Put Your West Foot Forward

"Put your West Foot Forward" is part of the national "Paths to Health Scheme" and it's aim is to encourage people to become more active, by walking more!

Led health walks are aimed at inactive people who need encouragement by walking as part of a small group, to take the first steps to becoming more active. Walks are short (20-60mins), cover half a mile to 3 miles and use local amenities based within the community, such as parks, community woodland and open spaces.

The project has a dedicated team of trained volunteer health walk leaders, who lead short walks in their local community.

Volunteers are a major part of the "Put Your West Foot Forward" Project. Would you like to become a Health Walk Leader or a Project Assistant?

• Volunteer Information Packs
• Volunteer Application Forms

In addition recognising that walking as a part of a group is not for everyone the project is working towards a series of health walk leaflets. These leaflets are geared towards beginners looking for ideas of short walks in Bathgate and Broxburn.

For more information contact Rili Craig on 01056 775207 or email rili.craig@westlothian.gov.uk

These leaflets and maps with other walks across West Lothian can be found in the Downloadable documents section.

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Walks in the Countryside

Why not take a leisurely stroll through one of our Country Parks?

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, Nr Broxburn

Beecraigs Country Park, Nr Linlithgow

Polkemmet Country Park, Nr Whitburn

...or participate in a guided walk at Beecraigs.  The most successful guided walks are the bat, badger and deer walks.  However, due to the popularity of these, booking in advance would be advisable.

Full details can be found at www.beecraigs.com (new window)

West Lothian Walking Week 2011 (new window)

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updated 16/09/11