Walking is an excellent activity as it develops stamina and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading single cause of death for both men and women in England.

Ted Sparrow (pictured) is one of our regular walkers, Ted aged 87, peddles to and from Bocking to attend the Braintree Heart and Sole Walk and has done since it started in 2008.   He enjoys the company and has made many friends, he is a true inspiration to us all.

Walking is an ideal low impact form of exercise and regular walking can both help to reduce weight and maintain weight loss.

Walking is also an activity that can improve balance, co-ordination and joint flexibility in older people which can help to prevent falls.

Find out about Braintree District Council's own walking programme -  Walking for Wellbeing

The shorter walk programmes can be accessed through - Heart and Sole Walks

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Walk Leaders

Are you interested in becoming a walk leader. We are always looking to recruit new leaders.

To be a leader all that is required is a knowledge of your local area and finding a route that you would feel comfortable in guiding others.

"I became involved with Heart & Sole Walks when I took early retirement, thinking it would provide good exercise, a chance to do something for the community and add a structure to my day.  I now find it very rewarding as a volunteer helping people who may have medical problems and need exercise or those who just need to join a group for company, who enjoy walking but don't want to do it alone." Velma Mayhew, Heart & Sole Volunteer.

For more information please contact walking@braintree.gov.uk or telephone 01376 552525 Ex 2313.