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Walking and cycling

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Safer, greener and healthier active toolkit

A toolkit outlining ways families can actively travel to school is now available for use.

The toolkit has been produced by Essex County Council and Active Essex, who are committed to increasing the levels of physical activity among school pupils across Essex.

Covid-19 has given families in Essex an opportunity to rethink the school run for pupils attending the 450 primary schools in Essex.

During this difficult and challenging time, it is possible to provide some routine to daily lives by adopting an active travel approach.

Active travel allows families time in the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and getting some sunlight, needed by our bodies to absorb vital vitamin D.

While it is not convenient or possible for all students to actively travel to school, walking or cycling should be the default for many, whilst those living further away could park and stride – which means parking the car outside of busy areas and walking the short distance to the school.

To download and learn more about the Active Travel Toolkit for schools go to the Active Essex website.

Stop. swap. go!

Find tips, advice and guidance for getting the most out of walking and cycling - Stop. Swap. Go!

Brentwood Health Trax in association with Active Brentwood and Trailnet CIC.

Brentwood's Healthy walking scheme Health Trax is a free health walk programme that has been running for over 20 years. The scheme is run by volunteer walk leaders supported by Brentwood Borough Council and Ramblers. Health Trax provides safe walking routes around local parks and countryside led by trained volunteers.

Each walk has at least two trained leaders to take up front and back stop, which means you can walk at a pace that suits you. Walking is a free and easy way to better health, it's safe and simple way to meet new people and make friends.

Everyone is welcome especially if you have or have experienced:

  • High blood pressure/cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Coronary heart disease/stroke
  • Inactivity/lack of energy
  • Asthma
  • Recovering from surgery

Making trax

A good pair of shoes is the only equipment you'll need, choose any shoes that are comfortable, provide good support and won't cause blisters.

During the summer period it is important to remember to wear a hat, use sun protection and carry fluids to drink before, during and after your walking session.

If it is your first walk, it is a good idea to turn up early and make yourself known to the walk leaders. At this point you will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire; if there is any doubt we will ask you to get formal consent from your doctor for your own safety.

To register to attend one or more of the walks (details are provided on the following page) please complete the application using the link below, you will only need to do this once.

Brentwood Health Trax Walking Programme application form

Health trax walks

  • Mondays - Hutton Country Park Health Walk - 11am (March to end of November)

Walk begins at 11am at Wash road, (small free car park) opposite Tallon road. 30 - 40min, slow - medium pace walk.

  • Tuesdays - King George's Playing Fields - 11am (all year)

11am start, meet near cafe in park. 1 hour, medium - brisk walk through Hartswood and nearby woodlands.

  • Tuesdays - Chat 1st walks - Meet outside The Brentwood Centre 10am, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood - CM15 9NN

Chat 1st Chatty walks free supported walks for mental well-being register by emailing chat1stwellbeing@gmail.com

  • Wednesdays - Doddinghurst - 10am (all year)

10am start from Doddinghurst village hall (free parking). 1 - 1.5 hrs (+) along countryside footpaths. Medium - brisk pace, longer walks which go over stiles and across fields using right of way paths.

  • Fridays - CVS led walks 30 min walk in Brentwood Town Centre

To join the Friday walk please email enquiries@brentwoodcvs.org.uk

Remember all walks are free so there is nothing stopping you enjoying the fresh air and all the benefits that come along with walking; you're in safe hands as all walks are led by trained volunteers.

For more information on walks or how to become a walk leader please contact Brentwood Borough Council on: 01277 312500 or email activebrentwood@brentwood.gov.uk

Walks and rides

Walks

Rides

Useful health walk and activity websites

www.trailnet.org.uk

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