Free Guided Walks For All – That’s Guildford Walkfest 2016

Published on: 13 Sep, 2016
Updated on: 15 Sep, 2016

Now in its tenth year, Guildford Walkfest runs from September 17 to October 2, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to join guided walks in and around the town and the stunning countryside within the borough of Guildford, all for free.

Pictured at the launch of Guildford Walkfest 2016 on Tuesday, September 14. Front row, from left: Stuart Craggs of Experience Guildford; Chris Howard, chairman of the Surrey Hills Society; the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson; James Avery of sponsor Bevan Wilson and David Burrows, manager of The North Face and Timberland.

This year there are more than 50 walks being contributed by a wide variety of organisations including the Ramblers Association, Surrey Hills Society, Guildford Town Guides, several parish councils, Walking for Health and local historian David Rose of The Guildford Dragon NEWS.

Click here for previous story about David’s walks and the self-guided walk leaflets he also has available that can be downloaded.

Guildford Walkfest is supported by Guildford Borough Council, Experience Guildford and Bevan Wilson Physiotherapy & Sport Injury Clinics.

Home page of the Guildford Walkfest website.

Full details of the walks with dates and times and what they are about, plus distances, can be found on the Guildford Walkfest website and from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre in Guildford High Street, or call 01483 444333.

An example of details of walks on the website.

There are lots of reasons to get out and enjoy a walk this autumn. The chairman of Guildford Walkfest, Christine Howard, gives these excellent reason why walking is not only enjoyable, but good for you too:

Apart from being just really good, free fun, you may not be aware that walking:

Makes you feel great: a brisk walk is one of the best natural energisers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen to every cell in your body, helping you to feel alert and alive.

Boosts your immune system: many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient – a brisk walk boosts production which improves bone health, and our body’s ability to fight off disease.

Makes you happy: studies show a walk improves your mood and is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression. It releases feel-good endorphins and reduces stress and anxiety.

Reduces risk of heart attack, cancer and diabetes: tests show that walking reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease.  It can also reduce stokes, reduces the risks of many types of cancers and Type 2 diabetes.

Prevents dementia: older people who walk six miles or more per week are more likely to avoid brain shrinkage and memory loss.

Is a great way to discover new people and places in your area: it is amazing what you miss in the car. Historic houses hidden behind a hedge, amazing gardens, wildlife and lovely locals all there waiting for you to discover them.

Is convenient, easy and best of all free!: best of all walking is accessible to everyone, you just need to step outside your door and start exploring.

Hints and tips to get you started: make sure you wear sensible, flat, sturdy shoes, with good grip. Wear long sleeves shirts and long trousers. Shorts may seem like a good idea until you come to some nettles over hanging your path! Wear a hat with a wide brim. Keeps off the sun….but also the rain! Take sunscreen, and a small first aid kit including Elastoplasts and antistring spray. Insect repelllant can also be helpful if walking around sunset. Take a map of the area.

When you are confident to handle walking for an hour or more you have so many choices. Try: www.sabre-walkers.org.uk (part of Ramblers Association in Surrey), the Surrey Hills Society www.surreyhillssociety.org, Guildford Walking for Health, or one of the many local walking groups.

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