Wellness Walks at High Woods Country Park

Colchester Borough Council has launched a new programme of Wellness Walks at High Woods Country Park. The walks are completely free and the first one is on Saturday 22 May, 11am, at High Woods Country Park.

Over the past few months, the Parks team have been working behind the scenes to ensure a safe return for the trainer led walks and expand the walk programme to encourage more people and families to take part. These new Wellness Walks replace the previously run Health Walks.

Walks will be socially distanced and there will be a limit to the number of places, with walkers booking in advance.

Upcoming walks and times:

• Saturday 22 May, 11am: Family Wellness Walk
  For young families, new and expectant parents to come for a light stroll around the park to walk and talk. Little ones very welcome and the route is buggy friendly. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 11am.
   
• Sunday 23 May, 11am: Wellness Walk
  An ideal way to improve fitness or mobility in a sociable atmosphere. The walk follows a three-mile circuit. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 11am.
   
• Friday 28 May, 11am: Wellness Walk
  An ideal way to improve fitness or mobility in a sociable atmosphere. The walk follows a one-mile circuit which can be repeated for those who want to go a bit further. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 11am.
   
• Saturday 19 June, 11am: Family Wellness Walk
  For young families, new and expectant parents to come for a light stroll around the park to walk and talk. Little ones very welcome and the route is buggy friendly. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 11am.

Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to launch this programme of Wellness Walks at High Woods Country Park. Although it will feel a bit different because of social distancing and the limit on numbers, it will be lovely to be able to see our regular walkers, and new people that want to join.  
 
“We are working hard to support our residents to get out and about together in a safe and secure way. These walks complement our work with Street Tag helping to get more people moving and enjoying the benefits of staying active outside. We hope more and more people will be encouraged to take part in these Health Walks, to enjoy our wonderful country park and enhance people’s health.” 

Walkers must book in advance and must not attend if they or anyone in their household is displaying symptoms of Covid-19. To book a place on the Wellness Walks please complete the Wellness Walks Registration Form and for Family Wellness Walks please complete the Family Wellness Walk Registration Form,
if you have any queries please email the Countryside Park Ranger team at countryside@colchester.gov.uk  

Keep up to date with upcoming Health Walks following @EnjoyColchester on Facebook and @YourColchester on Twitter, or by visiting the our Health Walks webpage at colchester.gov.uk/country-park.  

Wellness Walks and Street Tag support the Council’s commitment to Livewell, promoting healthy messages and supporting residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.