Volunteer walk leaders came together to celebrate Wellbeing Walks across the borough.
Attendees varied from longstanding walk leaders with over 20 years experience, to new walk leaders who are hoping to start in 2026.
Walk leaders are trained through the Wellbeing Walks programme, run by the Ramblers group and supported by Havant Borough Council. The walks are designed to help people of all ages take the first step towards better health, wellbeing and happiness. They run weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and include both shorter and longer options.
Some of the available walks include:
- Staunton Country Park with Martin and Paul - second and fourth Tuesday of the month (dogs also welcome). Meeting at 10am at the coach house (this changes to 10.30am in January).
- Bidbury Mead with Maxine - every Wednesday at 10am, meeting at Bidbury Mead Car Park (dogs not allowed).
- North Hayling with Helen – third or fourth Friday of the month, meeting around the Northney area (dogs also welcome). Please check the dates before attending.
- Hayling Island seafront with Jane and Brian - every Thursday at 10am, meeting at Beachlands bus stop.
Martin Small, who leads walks around Havant, said: “I’ve been leading walks since I retired in 2022. Physical exercise is important, and so is mental wellbeing. The walks give a wonderful opportunity for people to talk to each other and meet other people.”
“As somebody’s who’s lived in Havant for nearly 30 years, I’ve learnt so much more about my borough from the walks we’ve been on. There’s a variety of walks of different lengths and different locations, so you can always find something that suits you.”
There’s no need to book or plan a route; all you have to do is put on your shoes and come and join us.
To find out more and check available dates, please visit Get Up and Go’s website. If you would like to become a walk leader, training is free and online - call 07720 076284 or email infogetupandgo@havant.gov.uk for more information.