walk your way to a healthier & happier life.
Walking is an excellent way to gently introduce more activity into your daily routine.
One of the easiest ways to start is by joining a supportive walking group. Walking and chatting with others can make the distance seem to fly by.
Local Walking Groups
Getting active can be tricky… and a bit daunting
In Shropshire, there are numerous walking groups you can join.
You can visit your local library to find groups near you or check out your local Ramblers group for more information.
Several walking groups in the county offer introductory walks, which are part of the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme. This national scheme promotes free short walks across the country, helping people get active, make new friends, and explore their local areas.
For other local groups click on the images above.
You can also find 9 short routes in nature for anyone looking to get active in green spaces – Shropshire Wildlife Trust walks.
Volunteer Walk Leaders
If you would like to lead walks or start a new group we can provide training for volunteer walks leaders please email leisure@shropshire.gov.uk
Taking the first step
You don’t need special equipment and there aren’t any joining fees. You can walk almost anywhere, and being outside with nature helps you relax and forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life! It’s never too late.
There is no such thing as “too old to exercise”. Whatever your age or current level of fitness you can benefit from doing a bit more physical activity. Try to get out and walk as much as possible within your own limitations.
Build it into your daily routine
Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week. Being moderately active means:
• You’ll be able to talk, but notice your breathing is quicker and deeper than at rest
• Your body will be warming up, your heart rate will speed up but not be racing
• Your skin may start to show a healthy glow
Start at your own level
Start at a level that suits you; there is no point wearing yourself out on your first walk. Start gradually, set yourself small targets and goals, and build slowly from there; small changes can make a big difference, the most important thing is to make a start.
Listen to your body
If you feel any dizziness or pain whilst walking, slow down or stop completely and take a rest. If the problem continues, consult your doctor before walking again.
Keep active and keep the benefits
Any health benefits you have gained will be lost if you don’t continue to be active.
Search for health & easy access walks
Easy Access 1: The Mere at Ellesmere
Easy Access 2: Onny Meadows Craven Arms
These riverside water meadows lie behind Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Easy Access 3: Stiperstones National Nature Reserve
The Stiperstones is a wild ridge of Quartzite tors surrounded by a sea of heather. The Knolls car park at the southern end of the Reserve offers panoramic views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The car park leads to an all ability trail. It is an excellent place to enjoy wildlife.
Easy Access 4: Haughmond Hill at Shrewsbury
Haughmond Hill is a large woodland that is very popular with dog walkers and visitors wanting easy walks with nice views. It has many rough paths, two surfaced trails and a good car park.
Easy Access 5: Ifton Meadows Nature Reserve
Ifton Meadows is a Local Nature Reserve reclaimed from the spoil heaps of Ifton Colliery. The Meadows offer excellent access to superb views of the Dee Valley and Welsh Mountains.
Easy Access 6: Monkmoor Community Woodland
This delightful, relatively unknown site is next to the River Severn and close to the centre of Shrewsbury. It is a quiet 'out of the way' location with excellent views of the river and Haughmond Hill.
Easy Access 7: Colemere Country Park
Explore Colemere Country Park
Easy Access 8: Stanmore Country Park
Stanmore Country Park
Easy Access 9: Llanymynech Heritage Area
This nationally important industrial heritage site is home to a restored Hoffman Kiln, one of only three left in the country. The site, which is close to the Montgomery Canal, has an excellent series of access paths and is littered with historic features of interest. It is also a great place to see wildlife.
Easy Access 10: Battlefield Heritage Site
This is the site of a famously bloody battle waged in 1403 between King Henry IV and Sir Henry ‘Harry Hotspur’ Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland.. Surfaced paths and gentle gradients make it an easy place to explore although it is challenging for unassisted wheelchair users. Information panels around the site describe the battle as it unfolded.
Onny Meadows Trail – Shropshire Hills Discovery Walks
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre- Onny Meadows
Severn Hospice Woodland Walk and Children’s Trail
An easy short route on hard-wearing surfaced paths and pavement around the tranquil outdoor spaces which surround Severn Hospice