Wellbeing walks and cycle rides: don’t stay alone this festive season

Our wellbeing walks and cycle rides are a fantastic way to stay active and meet with others over the festive season. 

We offer free walks almost every day, including on Bank Holidays, and organise weekly cycle rides across the borough throughout the year. These activities are managed by a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers.

While the physical benefits of regular exercise like walking are well known, the mental and emotional benefits are even greater. This is why our walks have been attracting new participants and retaining regulars for the last 21 years.

There’s a walk for everyone in our programme. They are graded by difficulty and length, starting at 30-45 minutes. Many participants, especially those who have been widowed, enjoy meeting up and walking with others.

Faye, our walks coordinator, said, “At Christmas, some people feel a heightened sense of isolation. Our walks bring people together, allowing them to chat and form new friendships. Just a few steps can help clear your mind – it’s the rhythm of your footsteps, the fresh air, and reconnecting with nature. Walking is a great way to improve both body and mind.”

If you are on your own or want to spend time with like-minded people over the festive period, we would love to meet you. Don't forget that friends, family, and accompanied children are always welcome on our walks, so bring your visitors along for some fresh air and exercise.

Here is our programme:

Cycle rides:

Monday 16 December, 10:30 to 12:30. Molesey to Kingston and Richmond Circular. Towpath to Hampton Court Bridge – Kingston bridge – Kingston - Richmond Bridge. Returning on north of river. Meet: Sadlers Ride car park, East Molesey KT8 1TW. Gentle speed, flat but with 1 hill. 16 miles.

Monday 23 December, 10:30 to 12:30. Molesey to Lower Sunbury via Bushy Park Circular. Towpath to Hampton Court Bridge - Bushy Park - Lower Sunbury - Walton Bridge - towpath to Molesey. Meet in Sadlers Ride car park, East Molesey KT8 1TW. Gentle speed, flat 16 miles.

Walks:

Tuesday 24 December, 10:00 to 11:00. Mary Frances Trust wellbeing walk, meet: at the Wilde brunch café by Walton bridge car park. Please book to join: info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk Tel 01372 375400 

Wednesday 25 December (10.45), 11.00 - 11.45 Christmas Day Merry Meander in Whiteley Village Woods. Meet: Grass verge parking by cricket pitch, corner of North Avenue and Coombe Lane, Whiteley Village KT12 4EL. Arrive 15 mins early for festive nibbles! Slow, slopes. 

Thursday 26 December, 10:15 - 12:15. Boxing Day Walk to Hampton Court for a hot drink with ice! Meet in Sadlers Ride Car Park, Molesey, KT8 1ST. Arrive 15 mins early for festive nibbles!

Tuesday 31 December, 10:30 - 11:30. Molesey Circular Walk. Meet: Council car park, Walton Road, East Molesey KT8 0DP. Slow, Flat.

Wednesday 1 January, 10:30 - 11:30. Around Walton-on-Thames. Meet: Walton Community Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PB. (Walkers can use the centre car park or use Manor Road car park £). Gentle, small slope (steps on some routes).

Simon Waugh, Portfolio holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said, “The festive season can be tough if you can't be with loved ones, so it's wonderful that these walking groups are available. Walking with others helps you forget your worries. The Wellbeing Walks programme keeps people fit and supports their independence."

Merry Christmas to all our walkers and wonderful volunteer walk leaders. We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday. 

View the full programme.