Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Wolverhampton has been helping people get out and about since 2021, having started out as Walking for Health in 2001, and offers free, friendly walks across the city for people of all ages and abilities.
And for many involved, the benefits go far beyond physical fitness. Derrick Bate, who is 90 and helps lead regular walks at East Park, said staying active is key to maintaining health as people get older.
“Walking keeps you going,” he said. “As you get older, your body naturally starts to slow down, so it’s really important to keep active and keep moving.”
Others say the social side of the walks is just as important. Nalin Patel, Volunteer Scheme Co‑ordinator, said: “There are lots of health benefits, but also lots of social benefits, especially for people who live on their own. All of that adds up to overall wellbeing, which is why they’re known as wellbeing walks.”
Regular walker Valerie Dunne agrees that the welcoming, social atmosphere keeps people coming back. She said: “We come on the walks because they are quite a social event, and being in a group you can meet a lot of other people. People don’t always like to walk on their own because it can be a bit boring, but with this group it’s really nice.”
The programme’s wider impact has also been recognised nationally. Will Heckford, Programme Lead for Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, attended the group’s 25th anniversary celebration at Bantock Park last month, and commended the Wolverhampton group for its continued growth and strong community spirit.
He said: “It’s absolutely amazing, and what an achievement for Nalin and the rest of the coordinators, they’ve done a fantastic job.
“Walking is a free, low intensity exercise, people can go out and be physically active, and what we are seeing now is people doing it for their mental and social wellbeing. That’s what Ramblers Wellbeing Walks is really trying to achieve, giving opportunities for people to be more active, and to enjoy the benefits of being outside.”
Regular walks take place throughout the week, including:
- West Park Walk, meet inside Devon Road entrance at 10.15am every weekday
- East Park Walk, meet by the new children’s play area at 10.15am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Bantock Park Walk, meet near the car park at 10.15am every Tuesday
- Heath Town Park Walk, meet at Bushbury Road opposite Holy Trinity Church at 11.45am every Tuesday
- Smestow Nature Valley Walk, meet at Windmill Community Church at 10am every Thursday
- Northwood Park Walk, meet at Prestbury Medical Practice in Broadway at 11.45am every Thursday
- Boundary Way Walk, meet at the Boundary Way Allotments at 10.15am every Friday
- Pendeford Walk, meet at Oasis Community Café at 10.15am every Friday.
Walks vary from half an hour to an hour and a half depending on location. To join, simply turn up on the day. For more details, contact Nalin on 07881 742959 or via email at nalinpatel1ccc@gmail.com.
