Health walks

While the easing of lockdown restrictions allows walkers more freedom, it's clear that Covid-19 has not gone away, therefore it's essential that we work together to get our Walk Durham programme started again in a phased way, which is safe and responsible.

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Walk Durham

Walk Durham is a programme of short weekly health walks taking place across County Durham. The walks are a great opportunity for you to make your first steps towards being active. Whether you are recovering from illness or just want to be more active and enjoy walking outdoors in the company of others, Walk Durham can help you get started. 

Types of walk available include the following:

Gentle Steps to Walking

This walk is delivered on a running track which is flat and in an enclosed safe environment. You can walk at your own pace and rest whenever you need to. Gentle Steps to Walking is currently available at Chester-le-Street Riverside and Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre. This walk is great for helping you to build up your activity levels at your own pace. 

Get Walk Ready

These short walks are designed to ease you back into our walking programme. All routes offered will be on flat paths and carried out at a gentle pace. They are led by trained instructors and last approximately 30 minutes.

Wellbeing Walks

These walks cover various terrain at a brisk pace. They are led by trained instructors and last up to approximately 90 minutes.

Covid 19 Changes

Due to Covid-19 we need to change the way Walk Durham group walks are organised - by limiting the group size and taking extra measures to keep everyone safe.

Booking onto a walk

• Booking is essential and everyone must book in advance. (You can book up to seven days in advance.)
• We are unable to take anyone who turns up on the day - please remember to cancel your place if you are unable to attend.
• Please read our Health Commitment Statement and where appropriate seek medical advice before participating in a walk.

Before the walk

• Please be aware that many facilities may have restricted access or remain closed, including public toilets and cafes.
• Face coverings must be worn when congregating at meeting locations and during briefing sessions. (Face coverings can be removed during the activity at the discretion of the individual).
• Plan how you will get to the walk - remember you are not allowed to share a car with someone outside of your household or social bubble, and it may not be possible to use public transport.
• You may want to bring your own alcohol-based hand sanitiser, gloves and first aid supplies. The walk leader will have a first aid kit, but for minor incidents it may be better to use your own supplies.
• Bring your own food, drink, and snacks
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions.

During the walk

• Please follow government guidelines on social contact and physical distancing.
• Listen to the walk leaders briefing so that you know what to do, and where possible maintain two metres distance from anyone outside your household or social bubble.
• Avoid touching gates and path furniture - remember to use hand sanitiser where appropriate and wash hands as soon as possible.
• Do not share food, drink, or other equipment such as walking poles.
• Walk responsibly - when other walkers are passing, remember to stand back and give way.
• Let the walk leader know if you are having problems, feel unwell, or need to stop or slow down.

Book your place

Our weekly health walks have restarted  - you must book in advance.

Help with bookings

If you are having difficulties when trying to book onto a walk please follow the steps below when you are in the bookings page:

• Step 1: Select your walk
• Step 2: Select applicable date (You can only book up to 7 days in advance)
• Step 3: Select time
• Step 4: Complete the "Add your details" section
• Step 5: (Optional) Complete the "Provide additional information" section.
• Step 6: Tick to confirm that you have read Health Commitment Statement and followed the steps above.
• Step 7: Click book.

Become a walk leader

Visit our Culture and sport volunteering portal to find out more about becoming a walk leader.