Walk Aberdeen

All of our Health Walks are led and supported by our friendly, trained Health Walk leaders, who want to share their love of being active with others.

If you are interested in becoming a Health Walk leader, scroll down to the ‘Get Involved’ section below to find out more about the free online training available.

Timetable

Day	Start	End	Venue
Monday	10:30	11:30	Get active @ Alex Collie
Tuesday	13:45	14:45	ASDA Cafe Dyce
Wednesday	13:30	14:30	Get active @ Sheddocksley
Thursday	10:00	11:00	Kingswells Community Centre
Thursday	10:30	11:30	Get active @ Jesmond
Thursday	10:30	11:30	Altens Community Centre
Thursday	10:30	11:30	Darroch Park
Friday	10:30	11:30	Ferryhill Community Centre
Friday	10:30	11:30	The Bridge Cafe, St Fitticks
Saturday	10:30	11:30	Rosemount Learning Centre

Walker agreement

Please read the following agreement should you wish to attend one of our walking sessions.

If you would like further information on any of our walks, please contact Brian Harrison, Health Walks Coordinator, on bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk or call 01224 047928.

Walk Aberdeen Programme

First Steps

‘First Steps’ is an introductory activity session aimed at older adults who haven’t been very active.

The session begins with some exercises designed to exercise the leg muscles and help with strength and balance. Many of the exercises are done from a seated position, but some can be done standing with a chair for support if needed.

This will be followed by a short outdoor walk, at a social pace, around a flat, paved course.

Health Walks

Walk Aberdeen and its partners deliver a programme of social walks across the city to encourage people to be more active and to socialise whilst walking.

Our walks are friendly and walked at a speed to ensure that no one is left behind and at a pace which encourages talking. Walks usually last for between 30–60 minutes and usually finish with the opportunity of refreshments. The walks are always free.

Walking is a low impact activity which is accessible to everyone, all you need is your comfortable everyday shoes.

Dementia Friendly Health Walks

Walk Aberdeen is part of a national network providing dementia friendly walks for those living with dementia, their family and supporters.

Walk leaders who have received additional training ensure the walks have been suitably assessed and they are aware of the additional support that may be required. Walk Aberdeen volunteers are not able to provide one-to-one support. Participants who may require assistance during the walk should bring a supporter with them.

Full Body Walking

Full body walking, walking with two poles, has many advantages for all ages and conditions.

Poles are used for propulsion, they increase the muscle groups being used, producing a cardiovascular benefit to your walk and increase stride length. They can be particularly beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s.

They can also be used for support to worn or painful knees and hips, allowing a greater degree of ‘walkability’, especially for those waiting for, or who have just had, joint replacement surgery.

When used for balance, they improve posture and increase the ability and confidence to walk further. Using two walking poles enables individuals to walk in a more natural, upright position.

Hill Walking

There are several hill walking groups across the city which offer a real challenge for anyone looking to take their walking further and higher. Hillwalking groups tend to be out all day and a decent level of fitness would be required for their walks which are often on broken moor or rough paths.

Aberdeen Ramblers

Aberdeen Ramblers is a friendly group for people who enjoy walking in the countryside. They have walks of various lengths and grades on a fortnightly basis, normally on a Sunday.

The led walks range from coastal or glen walks up to the more strenuous climbs of mountains in the Cairngorms. On most outings, there is a shorter less strenuous walk in the same area which may suit those new to rambling or who are recovering from illness or injury. New members are made welcome.

For more details of upcoming walks and to check the equipment required, please get in touch.

March Stones

The historical boundary for the City of Aberdeen, as granted by Robert the Bruce in the 14th Century, is marked by a ring of stones from the Dee to the Don. These stones are often mistaken for mile markers or ignored completely, yet they offer an intriguing adventure into the city’s history.

From the Ringing Stone near Brodiach Burn to the final “Omega” March Stone located north of the Beach Esplanade, each individually marked stone plays an important role in setting out the city boundaries.

Sport Aberdeen received £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a series of walks to enable people from Aberdeen to reconnect with their heritage. This series of walks gives people a chance to explore Aberdeen’s historic March Stones whilst becoming more active.

• Walk 1 Alpha Stone 1–7
• Walk 2 Stones 7–12
• Walk 3 Stones 12–15
• Walk 4 Stones 43–49
• Walk 5 Stones 5–56
• Walk 6 Stones 56–Omega

Get involved

Health and social care professionals are asked to consider booking onto a Promoting Walking Workshop instead of Volunteer Walk Leader Training.

Cost and booking

All course materials and resources for running a health walk are included free of charge. To book a place, please contact bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk.

Volunteering

All of our Health Walks are led and supported by our friendly, trained Health Walk leaders, who want to share their love of being active with others.

For more information about becoming a Health Walk leader, please contact Brian Harrison on bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk or call 01224 047928.

For further information on all volunteering opportunities with Sport Aberdeen, visit our volunteering page.