Hundreds stride out during walking festival

Herts residents clocked up nearly 8,000 attendances on local walks organised by the county council’s Countryside Management Service.

The highlight was the mass health walk on May 16, which saw 630 residents out walking at the same time in locations across Herts.

Now the aim is to beat this record on July 7, when another mass health walk will take place in celebration of One You Day, part of the Public Health England One You campaign.

Feedback from the festival has been very positive.

Cabinet member for Public Health, Teresa Heritage, said: “We’re delighted that so many people stepped out to enjoy the walking festival.

“It really was a celebration of the wonderful opportunities Herts’ health walks offer to residents to enable them to explore their local area, meet new people, have fun and get a little bit fitter in the process.

“And it doesn’t stop with the festival. There are health walks taking place across Herts every week, so dust off your walking shoes and find out where your local walk is so that you can make the most of the summer months.”

Herts Health Walks are free, led walks for all abilities. Officially the biggest scheme in the country, there are over 60 walks each week. See www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org