We hope to resume our walks from week commencing 24 May. Full details will be given before then so please check this webpage for full details.
Our
Walk 4life walks are free, suitable for all ages and abilities and suit both beginner and intermediate levels. The walks last for around an hour but you can walk for less and at your own pace.
You walk within the safety of a group with trained walk leaders. We welcome all abilities, including key workers or carers who would like to attend with their client. We walk in all weathers so come along and join us!
If you are a new walker please arrive 5 minutes early and introduce yourself to the walk leader. Bring bottled water and dress appropriately for the walk and weather conditions.
Walking is good for your health and wellbeing, and and counts towards your recommended
150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Benefits of walking
Just 30 minutes of walking a day can cut your risk of heart disease by up to 40%. Brisk walking, when you breathe a little faster, feel a little warmer and have a slightly faster heartbeat, is an ideal moderate intensity activity.
Activities like health walks are especially beneficial for people with long term health conditions. For example physical activity can help manage some of the debilitating consequences of cancer treatment, and can even help reduce the chance of some cancers coming back. Other benefits of walking include improving circulation and breathing, combating depression, bolstering immune system, reducing diabetes, building bone density, increasing mobility and is a vital part of weight reduction. Plus you're walking in the fresh air and making new friends!
Walking for health (NHS website)
Walking routes and venues
The Morden Hall Park walks on Monday morning are mainly around the park. There is a very pretty walk on a Monday morning at John Innes Park and Recreation Ground and we also offer an interesting Friday fortnightly walk on Wimbledon Common. The Thursday morning walk from Mitcham Junction Station takes in the lovely route along Mitcham Common, and on alternative Tuesday mornings we also offer an informative trail through Wimbledon Common.
Walk information
New walkers, please arrive 5 minutes before the start time and introduce yourself to the Walk Leader. You don't need special equipment to attend but it is recommended you wear clothes and shoes suitable for walking and weather conditions. It is beneficial to bring bottled water as well and a hat when necessary. A register is taken, and you will be given the option to fill in a brief confidential health questionnaire before the walk begins. At the end of the walk there is the opportunity, if you wish, to join the group for a coffee or snacks at a local cafe.
Very occasionally, if the walk leader cannot attend, the walks may be led by an experienced member of the group as a "friends walk" and you can decide if you wish to walk with the group.
All walk venues have good transport links so this is an opportunity to leave the car at home and walk or use public transport to get to the venue. Not only are you helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions but you are also improving your health and saving money. You could start by using transport for part of your journey and walking the rest; this will help build stamina and mobility. We have also placed benches along walking routes to enable walkers have a rest on their way into town so give the car a rest!
Contact details
For more information on our walks or maps contact Future Merton Road Safety team:
Telephone: 020 8545 3206
Email:
road.safety@merton.gov.uk
