Walking groups from all over Gwynedd will be stepping out for the second Gwynedd Health Walk Festival held between Monday, 7 and Friday, 11 March 2011.
The week-long festival organised by Gwynedd Council with see the first walks getting underway at Dolgellau, Criccieth and Maesgeirchen in Bangor at 10am on Monday, 7 March.
There are now 15 voluntary walking groups in communities across the county, including two new Nordic Walking groups in Blaenau Ffestiniog and Bethesda.
Elwyn Jones from Gwynedd Council’s sports development team said:
“It’s wonderful to see 15 walking groups now based in communities throughout the county, and we hope that this year’s Gwynedd Health Walk Festival will encourage more people to get out and enjoy Gwynedd’s great outdoors.
“Health Walks give people an opportunity to become active – it’s a really good way to keep fit. Many people feel that they would like to walk, but would like company along the way, and walk with the knowledge that they won’t get lost. That’s exactly what the walking groups provide.
“This week-long festival will 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 will also give you the opportunity to try out Nordic Walking with an organised group.”
Many local residents take on the role of leading the regular walks, after completing the “Let’s Walk Cymru” training course, which is delivered by trainers within the area. As part of the Gwynedd Health Walk Festival, voluntary walking groups from all around Gwynedd have organised special walks throughout the period from Bethesda in the north to Tywyn in the south.
For more information about walking groups in your area, contact Gwynedd Council’s Walk Facilitators Cartin Roberts on 07900 615380 for walks in south Gwynedd or Caroline Moncrieff on 07980 538811 for walks in north Gwynedd.
The walks held as part of the Gwynedd Health Walk Festival are:
Monday, 7 March
Dolgellau – Glan Wnion Leisure Centre at 10am (contact number for more details 01341 423579) & a parent and child walk at 1pm (contact 07900615380/ 01766 830 568)
Bangor – Ty Cegin, Maesgeirchen at 10am (contact 01248 354998)
Criccieth – Idris Bakery at 10am (contact 07980 538811)
Tuesday, 8 March
Bethesda – Plas Ffrancon Leisure Centre at 10am (contact 01248 601515)
Nefyn – Nanhoron Arms at 10am (contact 07980 538811)
Wednesday, 9 March
Tywyn – Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre at 3pm (contact 01654 711763)
Thursday, 10 March
Penygroes – Plas Silyn Leisure Centre at 10am (contact 01286 882047)
Porthmadog – Glaslyn Leisure Centre at 11am (contact 01766 512711)
Barmouth – Pavilion Leisure Centre at 6pm (contact 01341 280043)
Friday, 11 March
Y Bala – Christ Church at 10am (contact 01678 521342)
Nordic Walking schedule (if you have not attended a Nordic induction session, you will need to arrange one before the walk)
Wednesday, 9 March
Dolgellau Roaming at 6pm (contact 07900 615380)
Thursday, 10 March
Plas Tan y Bwlch at 10am (contact 07900 615380)
Saturday, 12 March
Pwllheli (Pen Llyn Roaming) at 11am (contact 07980 538811)
