Did you know a 30 minute walk a day could help keep the doctor away?
Many people think of walking as recreational and not really exercise, but that daily walk can be hugely beneficial to your health - and it's free to do!
Walking Friendly West Dunbartonshire is a partnership of community-based organisations offering FREE accessible health and social walks around the authority area.
Walking Friendly West Dunbartonshire
Walking is probably the simplest way to get active and it doesn’t cost anything. It not only increases our general wellbeing but also gives us the chance to get out and about, meet new people and socialise with friends and family, all at the same time. We are lucky in West Dunbartonshire to have local parks and green spaces where we can walk safely and comfortably, but it’s important that we just take the opportunity to walk a bit more wherever we are.
Working together, we want to raise awareness of what is already going on across West Dunbartonshire and develop new walks as we go along. You will see there are a number of different volunteer-led walks supported by various organisations listed here. We are also supporting local organisations to introduce walking into their activities by offering Walk Leader training and support for new walks until they are established
Communication is really important, so we've introduced a Walk Friendly Forum for partner organisation to come along and share ideas about how we can promote and support walking.
WFWD currently host a programme of walks in Alexandria, Old Kilpatrick and Clydebank, and in partnership with Dumbarton FC we are developing a new walk from the Stadium.
For more information on everything WFWD email us walking@wdcvs.com
Vale of Leven Trust - Active Travel Hub
The Vale of Leven Trust is a local charity covering the areas of Alexandria, Tullichewan, Rosshead, Levenvale, Balloch, Haldane, Jamestown and Bonhill.
Their new Active Travel Hub run group-led electric bike rides as well as walking and jogging groups. The idea is to set up regular group activities for folk who are keen to get a bit more active. The Trust are based in 9 Mitchell Way, Alexandria, G83 0LW and be contacted on 01389 752629 or at info@valeofleventrust.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
Walk In the Park
Walk in the Park Health Walks utilise the beautiful and nurturing surroundings of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. They are recognised as on of the best examples of a successful health walk programme in Scotland. Starting from just seven walkers in Callander, they now support over two hundred and fifty people across the National Park area
For more information of their regular Wednesday walks contact fiona@trustinthepark.org
Corra Foundation Walks
Castlehill Community Walks meet at Leven Valley Enterprise, Castlehill, Dumbarton. Walks last no longer than an hour and are suitable for all needs…followed by a wee cuppa after. For more information on how to join this walk contact janice@corra.scot
Levengrove Park
Levengrove Park has a marked Daily Mile and 5k route with way markers in place for visitors who want to Walk, Jog or Run around the park. Outdoor activities and Inspirational Walks are hosted by the Greenspace team situated at the pavilion within the Levengrove.
For more information contact sandra.anton@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Levengrove Parkrun
Levengrove Parkrun is a weekly free 5km timed event organised by a team of volunteers every Saturday that you can Walk, Jog and of course, Run.
Levengrove Junior Parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds), held every Sunday at 9:30am and is FREE to join.
Cycling Without Age Scotland - Levengrove Park
Provide FREE rides in the fresh air in their unique trishaws to allow older people & those of all ages with limited mobility to enjoy Levengrove Park.
Trishaws take up to two passengers at a time & ride times can be tailored to suit the passenger
West Dunbartonshire Leisure
West Dunbartonshire Leisure organise 3 regular weekly walks through their Live Active programme. The walks are held in Clydebank and The Saltings on alternate weeks, Dumbarton at Levengrove Park and also at Argyll Park in Alexandria. To find out more information on days/times of each walk contact.
For Clydebank contact Diane Montgomery on 0141 951 4646 or 07391 397 332 or email diane.montgomery@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
For Dumbarton contact John McKeown on 01389 722179 or 07825960048 or email john.mckeown@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
For Alexandria contact John Gardner on 01389 722166 or 07436066120 or email John.Gardner2@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Clyde Shopmobility
A local disability and inclusion charity, Clyde Shopmobility deliver a mobility scooter and wheelchair service (manual and powered) to residents of West Dunbartonshire and surrounding areas. This allows individuals with mobility issues to shop, meet up with friends, or go for a coffee and feel part of their community. To find out more information and get details of their led walks service call: 0141 952 7795
Ramblers
Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers is a local group of the Ramblers' Association; an organisation set up to promote walking, protect rights of way, campaign for access to open country and defend the beauty of the countryside in England, Scotland and Wales.
The group arrange a walking programme suitable for people with different levels of experience and fitness, from hiking up Munros to a comfortable stroll. All walks are graded based on length, severity of any climbing and difficulty and led by volunteer walk leaders.
Walks are arranged for most weekends with occasional mid-week walks. Their aim to provide an easier walk most weekends and a more challenging walk at least every month.
50 Plus Walking Group
The 50 Plus walking group meet every Sunday at Dalmuir C.E Centre at 9:45am. Walks can vary from local walks of 4-8 miles and occasionally travelling to other areas.
Contact fiftypluswalkerswd@gmail.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER
Most walks rely on volunteer support throughout the year. The role of the volunteer walk leader on a group walk is to ensure everyone can participate in a safe, responsible and enjoyable way, and to encourage and support members of the public to become more active. Health Walk leaders support walkers at a pace that suits them, ensuring that everyone enjoys the walks.
Why not keep yourself active and support others at the same time - become a Volunteer Walk Leader. To find out more, contact us at walking@wdcvs.com.
You can find out more about the Scottish Health Walk Network and Paths for All