Issue 13 Avonmouth Wacky-Walkers Level 3 Walking Group Free Walks Programme Photo taken by Janice Skelton

2 - 3 miles - up to 90 minutes walks The Walks are led by qualified volunteer walk leaders, who have undergone the National Walking for Health training. The walks are a mixture of town and country routes and are aimed at those who are doing little exercise at the moment, but who would like to become more active.

July - Sep 2016

Hello and Welcome

Avonmouth Wacky-Walkers Walking Groups Summer walks programme in association with LinkAge, Avonmouth Community Centre and

Walking for Health .

If you are looking to join a fun, friendly group of social walkers, our group is for you.

All of our walks are:  FREE to attend, unless stated otherwise.  Set at an easy to moderate pace and cover a distance between 2 and 3 miles  Led by fully trained Walk Leaders

The walking group is aimed at people aged 55+ and the walks are suitable for anyone able to walk for an hour+ without stopping.

The aim is to walk for about 90 minutes at an easy to moderate pace and cover between 2 to 3 miles. The walks are varied with some local and others further afield. The level and conditions of the walks are indicated via a key. We like to stop for a tea or coffee at a café during or after walks when possible. Please bring money for refreshments and travel costs.

The walk leaders will try to set and maintain a pace which they feel is appropriate for the group and route. IF YOU FIND IT IS TOO FAST please SLOW DOWN to a pace which is comfortable for you.

As a rough guide you should be able to walk and talk, but feel a bit warm with slightly elevated breathing Please DO NOT walk in front of the Walk Leader Hints for Walking

 Dress appropriately for the weather  Wear suitable supportive footwear  Start each walk slowly, building up speed  Slow down towards the end of each walk  Walk to increase breathing but not to exhaust  Drink plenty of water - bring a bottle of water and any snacks you may need  Do not walk if you feel unwell  Remember any necessary medication e.g. inhaler

Key The following symbols are used as a guideline only. If you have specific needs please phone to find out more detailed information about a particular walk.

60–90 minutes Rural terrain Toilets Uneven Steps Moderate 2- 3 miles ground inclines

Wheelchair Scooter Views Rest Guided walk Train and

Bus and walk Car share Café stop lunch stop

Please note: Double check the start time for the walk you want to attend - start times are varied and can be varied again when special events are being held. New walkers please arrive 10 minutes before start time to complete the Outdoor Health Questionnaire (with support if required). Please try to arrive at least 10 - 15 minutes before the walk starts so you can hear any announcements.

Please Note: First option for Minibus trips will go to walkers who attended the previous week’s walk; after this you can phone and book places if available. Weds 6th July - Weston-Super-Mare

Starts at: 9.30am (9.:20 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Train Station Transport: Train Details: A walk along promenade (will the tide be in or out?) to Burnbeck Pier and back to Grove Park to visit Jill Dando’s Memorial Garden designed by the BBC Ground Force Team using plants & flowers special to Jill. Then a lunch of fish & chips Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule

Weds 13th July - Mill

Starts at: 9.30am (9:20 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: Car share Details: Travel together to Willsbridge where there is a 19th Century Corn Mill in a woodland valley with ponds, quarries & wildlife gardens alongside fast, flowing Brook and home to Kingfishers, dippers, owls, foxes & Badgers Walk Leader/s: Cheryl Martin, Ricky Skelton, Pat Maule

Weds 20th July - Sned Park Nature Reserve

Starts at: 9.45am (9:35 for new walkers) Venue: Portway Park & Ride Transport: 902 Details: Bus to Roman Way, walk up to Glenavon Park and enter the nature reserve to new area on Portway noting pond and whale made from willows Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Julie Morgan

Weds 27th July - Avonmouth History walk & Litterpick Starts at: 9.30am (9:20 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre Transport: N/a Details: Walk around the old part of Avonmouth Village when we reach the path be- tween Richmond Terrace and the Dock gates we will do a litterpick. Gloves, bags and picker will be provided. Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Pat Maule Weds 10th August - Summer of Age Intergenerational Waterfront Walk

Starts at: 10.00am (9:20 for new walkers) Venue: Water Cascade Steps, City Centre Transport: Any bus into the City Centre Details: This walk is for all ages to enjoy a walk together around the floating harbour with its many different boats, birds and wild plants along with old and modern buildings, lovely scenery, bars & cafes. Please note: Under 18 year-old’s must be accompanied by an adult . Public Ferry’s are available should you wish to do a shorter walk or leave the group early Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Ricky Skelton, Pat Maule Weds 7th Sept - Horseshoe Bend

Starts at: 9.30am (9:20for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre, Avonmouth Road Transport: N/A Details: Starting at the Yellow Brick Road with the River Avon on the right as we walk through the nature reserve, past the Lamplighters Pub and Sea Mills until we reach Horseshoe Bend; after we return to Lamplighters Pub for refreshments. Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Pat Maule,

Weds 14th Sept - Seamills Harbour to Blaise Castle

Starts at: 9.30am (9:15 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre / Park and Ride Transport: Bus No. 902. Return from Blaise No. 3 Details: Bus to Sea Mills Harbour Centre and follow the to Blaise Castle via Comb Dingle. Stopping for refreshments before returning home Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule

Photo taken by Janice Skelton Photos taken by Janice Skelton

Weds 21st Sept - Clevedon

Starts at: 9.30am (9:20 for new walkers) Venue: Avonmouth Community Centre/Park & Ride/Bus Station Transport: Bus 902 /X6 Details: A lovely walk along the old Victorian seaside and based resort at the mouth of the , that will take us along to Poets Walk with panoramic views across the estuary to Wales that can be seen on a clear day. Walk Leader/s: Ricky Skelton, Julie Morgan

Weds 28th Sept - Badocks Wood

Starts at: 9.30am (9:20 for new walkers) Venue: Bus stop opposite AM Community Centre Transport: Bus 501 Henleaze Lake Details: Enter the woods near Henleaze Lake and do a circular walk around valley finishing at Westbury Village for refreshments Walk Leader/s: Julie Morgan, Pat Maule

Five ways to Wellbeing

- Connect - Be Active - Take Notice - Keep Learning - Give

For general information or to request a programme please contact : Cheryl Martin: Mobile 0753 056 4332. Email: [email protected] Avonmouth Centre : Telephone 0117 982 7445 Email: [email protected]

Find more out on Health Walks visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Find more out about LinkAge visit www.linkagebristol.org.uk

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