Published: Tuesday 26th July 2016 | 8.53am
Residents and visitors to Cannock Chase are being urged to dig out their walking shoes and put their best foot forward during the annual Chase Fit Walking Festival from 1 – 14 August.
With 49 walks planned across two weeks, the festival has a varied range of walking pursuits across the district, including group – led and self- led walks alongside fun, free activities that will appeal to walker and families alike.
For those less mobile Chase leisure centre will be trialling “Walking in Water” supporting people with mobility and joint issues to step back into walking in a swimming pool.
For families looking to walk with young children, Chase Fit’s mascot Brindley Bear has created several free explore activity worksheets that can be downloaded from the family section of the website: http://www.chasefit.co.uk/chase-fit-families.html . Family park adventures including a teddy bear’s picnic will also take place during the festival.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “This is a fantastic initiative which has walks to suit everyone. With lots of free and fun activities along the way it is a great opportunity to get outside and get active.”
Inspiring people to be active and increase their levels of walking in their everyday lives the Chase Fit Walking Festival has been funded through the Chase Better Health commissioning prospectus, via Cannock Chase District Council and delivered by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles.
Pete Burt, Managing Director of Inspiring healthy lifestyles said: The festival is a fantastic way to explore new areas and get to know more about the area where you live. Walking has so many benefits for overall wellbeing, from the feel good factor to reducing stress and risk of ill health. I’m sure that this year’s festival will be very popular with Cannock Chase residents young and old.”
All walks are free with the exception of the water walking and several walks require booking, however for the majority you can just turn up and walk. All festival walks and activities are listed on the chase fit website: http://www.chasefit.co.uk/walks.html