Best feet forward for walking campaign

Jun 1 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DOZENS of people in Huddersfield put their best feet forward to take part in Get Walking Day.

People of all ages stepped out in glorious weather at the weekend for the two-and-a-half mile circular walk from Newsome Church to Castle Hill in Almondbury.

The walk was held by the Huddersfield group of the Ramblers’ Association as part of the national campaign to get people up and out on their feet.

The campaign, being organised locally by the Kirklees Walking Network, gives everyone the chance to take part in a series of free, short and easy walks.

The aim is to get people to recognise the social and health benefits of walking.

One of the participants in the weekend’s walk was Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman.

Keen walker Mr Sheerman said the campaign was important in highlighting the benefits of walking, particularly to young people.

He said: “I helped launch the Natural England campaign which did a survey showing that the number of children taking part in activities outdoors halved in one year, which is really shocking.

“A lot of people are not getting outside and enjoying the countryside and they should be, especially with obesity on the rise.

“Where we live is riddled with lovely footpaths and walks and we really should be taking more advantage of it.

“Campaigns like this are excellent in encouraging people to get out walking, we just need more of them.”

Walking has many health benefits, including helping manage weight, reducing stress and blood pressure and increasing energy levels.

If you would like more information on local walks, or even become a walk leader, contact the Kirklees Walking Network on 01484 234097.