Walking groups all over Gwynedd will be stepping out later this month as they take part in the inaugural Gwynedd Health Walk Festival.
The week-long festival organised by Gwynedd Council will take place from Monday, 22 March to Saturday, 27 March, with the first walks getting underway at Dolgellau and Maesgeirchen in Bangor at 10am on Monday, 22 March.
There are now ten voluntary walking groups in communities across the county, with local residents often taking the role of leading the regular walks held. As part of the Gwynedd Health Walk Festival, voluntary walking groups all around Gwynedd have organised walks throughout the period from Bethesda in the north to Tywyn in the south.
Sharon Jones, Gwynedd Council Physical Activity Development Officer said:
“The response to the local walking groups has been really positive, and it’s great to see so many new groups being set up right across the county.
“We hope that the first ever Gwynedd Health Walk Festival will encourage more of the county’s residents to join their nearest walking group, or even set up their own local group.
“The week-long festival will also allow the walking groups to showcase their favourite walks and discuss with new walkers how walking has not only helped improve their health, but has given them an opportunity to meet new friends.”
The week of activities will end on Saturday, 27 March at Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog where two walks will be staged. A health walk around the grounds will take place at 10.30am and a taster session to give everyone an opportunity to try out Nordic Walking will be held at 1.30pm. Those taking part are urged to wear suitable clothing and footwear and to bring along a packed lunch.
Local walking groups are now up and running throughout the county, with groups in Barmouth, Bethesda, Dolgellau, Y Bala, Nefyn, Penygroes, Porthmadog, Tywyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Maesgeirchen in Bangor. The aim this year for Gwynedd will be to work alongside local health visitors to establish pram and buggy walks.
For more information or to book a place on the walks held at Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog contact Gwynedd Council’s Physical Activity Development Officer, Sharon Jones on 01341 424 410 or email [email protected]
