Brampton Health Walks started off in response to the 2015 Village Survey, which highlighted the need for a walking group. Health Walks were initially supported by ‘Everyone Health’ as part of The National Walking for Health Programme. However, we now run totally independently and operate as part of Brampton Village Hub. (Not to be confused with the Family Hub based at The Barns on Thrapston Road!)
The Walks are free and take place every Thursday, leaving at 10.15am from the Memorial Hall on Thrapston Road, Brampton. We only ran one Walk at first, but it soon became clear that our walkers had varying abilities and needs. Consequently, we have been running two Walks for a number of years, each lasting for about an hour, but at different paces. From March 2024, we introduced a third ‘stroll’ walk as well. All three walks start and end at the Memorial Hall but take different routes. The medium/fast walk, aimed at the more energetic of our walkers, and the medium/slow walk continue for about an hour. The ‘stroll’ walk is aimed at those of our walkers who prefer to walk at a leisurely pace or for anyone walking back to health and lasts for 45 to 50 minutes. Each walk is led by a trained walk leader.
The Walks are now into their 9th year and are open to everyone. We are known for being a sociable and welcoming group. Newcomers to the village and surrounding area, people finding that they have time on their hands to fill or simply needing to get out into the fresh air are all welcome to join us. Since we started in July 2016, we have had over a hundred members. Currently, we have fifty regular walkers, with up to thirty walking each Thursday.
We make use of the local parks and country paths around Brampton, as well as the street paths of the village. Some of our walkers use walking poles and sticks to aid them. We advise our walkers to wear appropriate footwear and also to dress accordingly for the weather as we do walk every week, even when the area is flooded!
Following the walks, we offer refreshments, and often homemade cake, with tea or coffee for which we ask a small donation. These are served in the Memorial Hall and provide further opportunity for people to continue their conversations – helping to support their mental health and wellbeing. We also celebrate special occasions, such as Coronations, big birthdays and Christmas with extra goodies!
Health Walks are a great starting point for you to become healthier in body and mind, explore your local area AND meet new people. With the support of your trained walk leaders, you’ll enjoy safe walking routes at a pace that works for you.
Please feel free to contact John or Sue Breslin for more information at: john_sue_breslin@hotmail.com