Date: 21/02/2008
Fresh air, fitness, friendship and fun are just some of the positive spin-offs for people who join in regular and increasingly popular Walks for Health, co-ordinated by High Peak Borough Council.
Scores of keen walkers are now putting their best foot forward to enjoy easy and moderate walks in the Glossop and Central areas of the borough, in places ranging from Fernilee to Lyme Park and Rushup Edge to Rowarth.
The Council works in close partnership with Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority, The National Trust and Primary Care Trusts to promote the social, physical and mental benefits of regular, gentle exercise and enjoying the countryside through walking.
Free to everyone - including retired people, those working shifts or taking a day off, people recovering from illness and people with learning difficulties - the easy walks are up to three miles, while the moderate walks are longer, more challenging routes of up five miles.
Each walk has an experienced leader trained in such skills as first aid, health and safety and map reading, plus front and back 'markers' to make sure that no one ventures ahead or gets left behind.
Regulars on the Tuesday Walks for Health in the Central area of the High Peak set off on a circular route from Hayfield.
"The walks are proving very positive, not just from a mental and physical point of view, but also from a social perspective, because they encourage people to meet, chat, and maybe form new friendships as well as enjoying the fresh air and scenery. And when rangers lead the walks, it's a great opportunity to learn about the natural history and history of the area."
Day service users at Alderbrook are equally enthusiastic. Nick Salt, of Buxton, is guardian of the first aid kit and enjoys the 'fresh air and meeting people, who are all very friendly', while Chris Flint, also of Buxton, says the walks keep him fit and he likes the company.
Catherine Pugh, of Hayfield, has conquered a fear of stiles since joining the walks and is regularly joined by her parents Lorna and Colin, while London-born Graham Jones, now of Buxton, says they enable him to enjoy the beautiful Peak District landscape. David Lomas, of Chapel-en-le-Frith, appreciates the exercise and being in the countryside.
David Sims, now retired and a keen walker for most of his life, is a long-serving leader on moderate walks in the Glossop area, and around 14 people from all walks of life regularly join the group most Thursday mornings, setting off from the town's railway station. David, who lives in New Mills, said: "I've always enjoyed walking and being outdoors, and am also involved in other activities such as mountaineering, so when I retired I decided to get involved in Walks for Health. Because it's open to everyone, it's a great way of introducing people to the pleasures of walking and of encouraging them to get out and do more walks themselves.
"Not only does it offer the opportunity to socialise, it also leads to real friendships. When one of the regular walkers in our group, Rosalind Simmonds, broke her arm recently, several other women got together to help look after her - so Walks for Health improves people's lives in lots of ways."
Lacing up their boots ready for a Thursday Walk for Health are Glossop regulars (behind, from left) Hilary Allen, Pat Dodd and Judith Hurst, (middle row) Albert Hoogland, Don Kershaw, walk leader David Sims, Jean Wild and Bob Wood, and (front, from left) Syd Griffithes (sic), Pete Mayers and Jim Bintcliffe..
Other Glossop group members are equally enthusiastic. "It's a great way of exercising, doesn't cost anything, and gets you out into some beautiful countryside," said Jim Bintcliffe, of Glossop. "It also brings people together socially and is great for anyone on their own who wants to meet other people. We usually go for a coffee or to a pub after our walks for a chat before we go home, some members meet up at other times and we go out for lunch at Christmas."
Pat Dodd, formerly of Audenshaw and also a member of the Ramblers' Association, joined Walks for Health when she moved to Glossop two years ago. "It's been a great way of getting to know both people and more about the area," she said. "I work three days a week, so like to get out in the fresh air whenever I can."
Glossop born and bred, Hilary Allen's comprehensive local knowledge comes in handy when people new to the area want to know more about a local landmark or landscape feature. "For me the social aspect is most important," she said. "I first started coming when my husband died because I didn't want to walk on my own, and I really enjoy the company."
Easy walks are held in the Central area most Tuesdays, while moderate walks are also available in the Central area most Wednesdays. Anyone who takes part is advised to wear strong, comfortable shoes and bring waterproof clothing. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept under control on a lead.
Moderate walks are held in the Central area most Wednesdays and in the Glossop area most Thursdays. Anyone who takes part is advised to wear strong, comfortable shoes and bring waterproof clothing. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept under control on a lead.
A new programme of walks (183KB) 
is drawn up every three months, and leaflets giving details are available from all High Peak Borough Council reception areas and leisure centres, libraries, tourist information centres, doctors' surgeries and physiotherapists. Walks are listed on our website at www.highpeak.gov.uk/culture/walks/.
Plans are afoot to introduce short 'Wheel and Walks' in the Fairfield area of Buxton for parents with young children who are not at school, while walk leaders for Walks for Health are also being sought in the Buxton area.
Anyone interested is invited to contact Paul Evans, community sports co-ordinator and Walks for Health organiser at High Peak Borough Council on 0845 129 7777 extension 2209.