Get your walking boots on for festival (From Gazette Series)

Get your walking boots on for festival

A WALKING Festival takes place throughout Gloucestershire from Sunday until June 19.

The festival is aimed at helping people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy becoming more active by walking out-of-doors and in the company of others.

Now in its third year, Strolling in Gloucestershire comprises a variety of short, led walks across the county, and all members of the public are welcome to take part. Most walks are free, and some are wheelchair accessible.

More than 40 walks will be taking place during festival week, including a lunchtime walk along the canal at Stonehouse; a stroll through the grounds of Sudeley Castle; a family walk and teddy bears' picnic in Cheltenham; a summer evening stroll around Kilcot in the Forest of Dean; and a walk around the docks in Gloucester.

Full details of all walks can be found at www.strollinginglos.nhs.uk Walking is ideal exercise - it is free, available to almost all people, and requires no special equipment.

Regular walking has many important health benefits. It can improve confidence, stamina, energy, weight control and life expectancy. It can also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis and stress.

And walking in company is enjoyable and fun, meaning people are likely to want to repeat the experience.

The festival, which has received a grant from the Awards for All lottery fund, is supported by the NHS and all the local authorities in Gloucestershire.