The Elmbridge Wellbeing Walks celebrate their 20th anniversary

The Elmbridge Wellbeing Walks celebrated their 20th Anniversary at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub in Walton-on-Thames on Friday 15 September, with an event to thank the scheme's volunteers for their support, commitment, and enthusiasm over the years. We were delighted that our Volunteer Cycle Ride Leaders could join us on the day. The Cycle Rides scheme will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2025.

Volunteers who have been leading walks for over 20 years and 15 years were presented with commemorative certificates as a recognition to their dedication. A special presentation was made to Karen Stowe who has been an invaluable Wellbeing Walk Leader for 20 years. 

We were also delighted to welcome Dee Coleman, former Development Health Officer at the council, who launched the Healthy Walks scheme in 2003 and Cycle Rides in 2005. The scheme was recently renamed ‘Wellbeing Walks and Cycle Rides’ when we started working in partnership with The Ramblers.

The Wellbeing Walks have a walk every day, including Christmas Day and the affiliated Wellbeing Cycle Rides also offer a weekly ride to a different destination every Monday morning. 

Many local people have walked and cycled with us regularly over the years, and our Volunteer Walk and Cycle Ride Leaders are always happy to welcome anyone who would like to walk or cycle in a group to get active, boost their mental wellbeing and explore the local area. Our walks and cycle rides are free and operate on a ‘just turn up’ basis. Many walks and cycle rides have a visit to a café at the end, so they are great for a friendly chat with other likeminded people.

Cllr Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy said: “The Wellbeing Walks and Cycle Rides are an asset to the community. In addition to helping people to get physically active, they are also great for supporting mental wellbeing too. The walks and cycle rides are an opportunity for people to meet, chat and form friendships. We are grateful to all the volunteers who have made the scheme a success. Without their incredible dedication, the programme would simply not run.”

If you are interested in improving your health and wellbeing and joining a great community, find out more at Wellbeing Walks or call 01372 474 574.