January - June 2018 Feeling Fitter 34 part of Renfrewshire Walking Network WednesdayW d d andd CommunityC it WalksW lk aroundd RenfrewshireR f hi In association with Why Should I Go Walking? Walking is a great way to stay healthy and benefits are plentiful. Below are a few of the benefits that you can expect to gain by maintaining a level of walking which suits your ability. • Helps control weight • Builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints • Improves the function of your heart and lungs • Relaxes you • Reduces signs of stress and anxiety • Gives you more energy • Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol • Increases self confidence • Keeps the brain active Why not build up your walking programme If you are starting out on your first walk build up your fitness gradually and join one of the many health walks in your local community, meet lots of new friends and chat while the miles disappear and before you know, it’s time for a well earned cuppa, whilst reflecting on your morning’s exercise. Next on the programme is Level 1A which is slightly longer than your health walk but you know you are ready for the challenge! Moving on to Level 1B which is slightly more adventurous than the last level, incorporating more inclines and walking for a slightly longer distance. Last level on the Renfrewshire Walking Network programme is Level 2 which incorporates all levels adding in rougher ground, longer time and distance walking but just as enjoyable with lots of company along the way! So whatever level you start at there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you. Welcome Welcome all to Feeling Fitter 34 The walks are always packed with fun I hope I caught you walking out the door And a sense of pride when you are done To join our groups for a wee jaunt Whether its history in and around the town Out in the sunshine where you wont look gaunt! Uphill, across streams without having anyone drown! - - - - - - - - Its great to see you all walking around Thanks for your support once again Heads all lifted and not on the ground I hope to meet you all one day in some glen Chats and smiles are all galore But until then keep walking with your group We can’t wait for next week to offer you more! Then go back home for a big bowl of soup!!!! A special thanks to the wonderful Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time so everyone can enjoy their walk safely. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work with myself behind the scenes securing funds to enable the programme to operate. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who have been a valuable partner for many years. The Community Mental Health Team who help us to make a difference Forestry Commisssion who bring an important partnership to the group Paths For All who support the walking programme on a national level The Renfrewshire Walking Network is supported by Renfrewshire Leisure Keep on walking Everyone, Thank you for your continued support to the walking programme Senga McLeod Senga McLeod Renfrewshire Leisure Community Activity Officer 3 Health Walking Groups In Your Local Community LOCHWINNOCH Every Monday meeting at McKillop Centre at 10.30am FERGUSLIE Every Monday meeting at St Ninians Church at 11.00am GLENBURN/FOXBAR Every Tuesday meeting at Glenburn Parish Church at 10.30am ERSKINE Every Tuesday meeting at Bargarran Community Centre at 10.30am BARSHAW PARK Every Thursday meeting at the middle entrance (café) at 10.30am JOHNSTONE Every Thursday meeting at Johnstone Town Centre (next to bandstand) at 10.30am. RENFREW Every Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan Road at 10.30am. NEW - PAISLEY Every Friday meeting at Paisley Town Hall at 10.30am (starting on 19th January) STROLL IN THE PARK Every second Tuesday at Paisley Town Hall at 11.00am beginning 16th January and fortnightly thereafter (for more information on this walk pattern please call Senga McLeod on 0300 300 1362). All walks last approx. 1 hour and are suitable for everyone NEW - PAISLEY - EVENING WALK PILOT Every Monday meeting at Paisley Town Hall at 5.30pm starting 9th April 2018 Look out for new walks starting in a community near you ! 4 Level 1(A) 10 January PAISLEY BRIDGES (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Happy New Walking Year! Join us on our first walk of the new season. Today we will cross some of Paisleys bridges, and learn of some of the history which is attached to them. This walk is on flat surfaces and so suitable for all abilities. Please come dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall 24 January PAISLEY MYSTERY TOUR (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.9KM) Join us today as we venture around our historical town. This walk will be on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Please come dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall 7 February PAISLEY ALONG TO ELDERSLIE (LINEAR 2.8MLS/4.5KM) Today we start our walk in Paisley and wander along the national multie use path towards Elderslie where we will be steeped in the local history of William Wallace. This walk is flat and suitable for all levels of ability. Please come wearing comfortable shoes and dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am at Canal Street Station Restaurant 5 21 February ANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in our tartan scarves. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 10.30am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch 7 March PAISLEYS’ WEE HILLS (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Today we will visit one of Paisleys’ wee hidden treasures as we look for the weather to behave so we can see amazing views over the town to the hills beyond. From there we will then visit the local nature reserve and hopefully be lucky to see a kingfisher as it glides along the river. Although this walk has a small incline it is mainly paved and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall 21 March BRODIE PARK ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KM) Join us today as we visit Brodie Park and the history which it holds, if the weather allows us we may try the outdoor gym and swings, from there we will make our way back to the RAH Walk starts at 10.30am at The Royal Alexander Hospital entrance (bottom of the hill) 4 April PAISLEY AT ITS BEST (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today our walk will take us up a small incline where we should be afforded some lovely views if the weather permits. Time, care and support will be given to enable everyone to enjoy this walk. The walk is paved for its entire length and comfortable shoes should be worn Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 6 18 April CONVERSATION AROUND THE CONSERVATION AREA (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Join us today as we venture around one of Paisleys’ conservation areas where the grand houses have survived the test of time from there we will have a look at the architecture around the same area. This walk is paved for its entire length and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 2 May PARK LIFE AND SURROUNDING AREAS (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today we are enjoying Barshaw Park and all it has to offer, we may play on the swings or have a blast with the outdoor gym, from there we will visit the area around the park. This walk is paved and suitable for all abilities, comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 10.30am at café car park in Barshaw Park. 16 May LINWOOD ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Join us as we explore the community of Linwood, where we will venture in to the woodland where if we are quiet we will see local wildlife, deer, rabbits, squirrels not to mention the various birds. This route may be muddy in sections if the weather has been poor, so comfortable shoes/boots are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at the bus terminal at the top of Brediland Road 7 30 May REST & BE THANKFUL (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.4KM) Today we explore some of the history of Johnstone as we walk through the streets of the burgh. This walk is entirely on pavements or tarmac paths so sensible shoes should be worn Walk Starts at 10.30am at the Bandstand in Houston Square, Town Centre, Johnstone 13 June ANNUAL POUND + PACE EVENT (CIRCULAR 7.9MLS/14.9KM) Today it’s all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the Greenock Cut. This walk is on track all the way and comfortable shoes are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one that is special to you then please let us know. Entry Fee is £1.00 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Pick up can be arranged from Drumfrocher Station to the Visitor Centre. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. 27 June WALK THE ARTS (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today we celebrate the arts that’s our town has to offer, we will wander through the streets looking at the street art on the end of buildings and shops.