Torfaen take a stroll

Project Leader: Lynne Mattravers

Contact Details: lynne.mattravers@torfaen.gov.uk

About the Project:

Torfaen take a stroll is part of Torfaen’s Exercise for Life programme. We currently have 7 weekly community and workplace walks taking place throughout the borough. Participants can be referred by their GP’s, other health professionals or can self refer. The walks are at various levels, the easy walks being 1 to 3 miles to more advanced walks of up to 4 to 5 miles. Everyone is welcome and after the walk we socialise with a free tea/coffee.

Timetable of weekly community walks:-

• Monday - Pontnewydd meeting at the Crosskeys Inn at 10.30am.
• Tuesday - Blaenavon meeting at the Queen Victoria Public House at 2 pm.
• Thursday - Pontypool meeting at Pontypool Museum at 10.30am.
• Friday - Cwmbran meeting at Cwmbran Stadium at 10.30am.

The Blaenavon walk every Tuesday meets at Queen Victoria Public House. We have two walks from Cwmbran Stadium on a Friday morning at 10.30am, one is a short walk between ½ hour to an hour and the other is a longer walk between 3 to 4 miles.

We are holding a ‘Torfaen Walk Relay’ on Sunday 17th August 2008, walking the length of Torfaen approx 14 miles, however walkers can join the walk at designated relay points and all walkers will be provided with a free buffet and transport. The aim of this event is to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, by purchasing tee-shirts or caps for £5.00 each. Everyone is welcome but children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.

[Pictured right: Volunteer Walk Leader (Pauline Watts) being presented with a certificate for her volunteering throughout the year. The event held on the 5^th June 2008 was part of Volunteers Week and volunteers where provided with a buffet and social evening.]

[Pictured below: This Nordic Walking taster event took place in the beautiful surroundings of Pontypool Park in Torfaen. Barefoot Studio came in and delivered the session for ‘Torfaen take a Stroll’ providing us with poles and excellent tuition on the day. There were 15 keen walkers who came along on the day and enjoyed the new experience of Nordic Walking. Since the taster session we have encouraged use of the poles on our weekly community walks and everyone enjoyed with comments such as: "I really feel that using the poles has helped me walk faster and further". " This was a new experience which I will certainly try again".]

NB: Information last updated on 26/08/08