Active Walks programme
Walking is almost perfect exercise: it requires no equipment or expense and is an ideal way to become more active.
Join our Active Walks programme and you can enjoy the borough's parks, meet new people from your local community and get some exercise at the same time!
An Active Walk is where people are encouraged to walk at their own pace in their local area with a trained walk leader. Our walks are lead by friendly instructors who will be there to assist, support and encourage you while your walking.
Why walk?
- Walking is great exercise, which requires no equipment or expense and is an ideal way to become more active. If you are unfit or have taken very little exercise recently, then you can start slowly and build up gently.
- Walking is a great way to meet new people, make new friends and be more involved in the community.
- Walking as with any exercise will give you more energy, make you feel good and it is also a great stress reliever.
Health benefits of walking
Weight management
Regular walking can both help to reduce weight and maintain weight loss and is an ideal, low impact form of exercise.
Benefits to older people
Physical activity such as regular walking can improve balance, co-ordination and joint flexibility in older people, which can help strengthen bones and therefore reduce the risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures.
Other benefits
As well as becoming physically active and leading a healthier lifestyle, walking can also reduce the risk of:
- Coronary heart disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Strokes
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Bowel cancer
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis.
Frequently asked questions
Who can go on walks?
Our walks are open to everyone and especially designed for people who do little or no exercise.
How long are the walks?
All of our walks are different. Generally they are between 40 and 60 minutes long and the intensity depends on the groups that attend. If you are new to walking or unable to walk the full distance our walk leaders are happy to shorten the route for you.
What do I need to do?
Just turn up.
If it's your first walk please arrive 10 minutes before the walk so the walk leader can introduce themselves.
What should I wear?
Try and wear loose and comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather.
Timetable of current walks
| Venue |
Day and time |
Meeting at |
| Kennington Park (led) |
Monday at 2pm and 2.30pm. |
The café |
| Brockwell Park (led) |
Tuesday at 2pm |
Brockwell Lido |
| Streatham Common (led) |
Thursday at 1pm |
The Rookery café |
Maps of the walks
Facts about Active Walks
All of our walks are different. Generally they are between 40 and 60 minutes long and the intensity depends on the groups that attend.
Walking one mile in 20 minutes uses as much energy as:
- Running a mile in 10 minutes
- Swimming breast stroke for 10 minutes
- Playing football for 12 minutes
- Cycling for 16 minutes
- Weight training for 17 minutes.
These walks are held all year round regardless of the weather! Just turn up and see what the weather is like, our walk leaders will make a decision on the day.
Would you like to be become a volunteer walk leader? You will receive free training and on-going support.
Who to contact
For more information please email: healthylifestyles@lambeth.gov.uk or phone 020 7926 0761.