Salisbury: Walking for Health

Our walks

The scheme started in 1997 with the launch of the Salisbury and Wilton Doorstep Walks pack-`Go forth on the 4th of March'. Tisbury Doorstep Walks were launched in June 1999 and Amesbury walks in Spring 2001. Bus Walks which involve taking a bus out into the countryside and walking back have been sponsored by the local bus company since July 1999. A new Walking Map and Information Pack for the city and its environs is available. The pack includes route cards for 16 walks varying in lengthfrom 0.8 to 7 miles. The walks encourage residents and visitors to explore the surrounding countryside on pleasant accessible routes from the city centre and are also used to assist schools in developing their Travel Plans. The packs, developed by the Salisbury Walking Forum, are available free from the Salisbury Tourist Information Centre and the Joint Transportation Team on 01722 434325 and can be viewed on the District Council website: www.salisbury.gov.uk/leisure/sports-development/health-initiatives/salisbury-wilton-map.asp A programme of led walks in Salisbury and Wilton started in summer 1999 and expanded in January 2000 when more walk leaders were trained. There are now 14 active trained leaders. The walks include a 'Bus Walk' on Mondays of 4-6 mles and a 'Doorstep Walk' on Thursdays of 2-3 miles. The Thursday walks have the option of a short or a longer circuit. Measured walks in one of the city parks have been marked out using coloured footsteps. The aim is to help people monitor their own progress in improving their distance and speed of walking. A leaflet has been produced entitled `Footsteps in the Park' which is aimed at target groups through the hospital:- coronary care, obesity groups, osteoporosis and pulmonary rehabilitation. 'Walks on Wheels'. From April-September wheelchair trails take place once a month on a Wednesday afternoon in association with Shopmobility. 'Footsteps to Fitness' These walks are specifically designed for beginners to encourage them to consider walking as a means of gaining fitness. The walks are carefully graded and after 6 weeks the new walkers are encouraged to join the regular groups. The first course was run in Autumn 2007. New courses will be run when there is sufficeint demand. Contact the co-ordinator if you are interested.