Walking
Whether you're walking to work or to the shops, stepping out at lunchtime or taking the dog for a walk, walking can be simple to fit into your everyday life.
An Overview of Walking
Walk Together this winter!
82% of Leicestershire is classed as rural! This means we are fortunate to have some beautiful countryside and parks right on our doorstep. From Bradgate Park to Bosworth Battlefield, Sence Valley to Welland Park, there are many places to explore on foot. Over time, even a 10 minute brisk walk can have huge health benefits.
Winter can be a fantastic season to explore our Leicestershire countryside, parks and open spaces by foot. Why? See below!
5 benefits of walking in winter:
- Boost energy - A cold weather walk has been shown to provide an energy boost due to the fresher air that can last for hours - perfect for a mid-day pick me up!
- Sunlight does the body good - It's easier to stay inside when it's cold, but Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones. Whilst protecting your skin with SPF is still important, an outdoor walk in the sunlight is key to maintain Vitamin D levels in the winter
- Trails are quieter – there is less hustle and bustle in parks and open spaces in winter, which adds an element of tranquility. You can walk at your own pace and explore areas that otherwise may attract large crowds
- Beautiful scenery – when out for your winter walk, take note of the change in scenery, the sound of your footsteps crunching on the leaves or snow, and the vast array of wildlife
- Make new friends - the vast majority of our Walk Together groups walk all year round. It can offer a real sense of community and makes the post-walk hot drink even more satisfying sharing it with a group!
Why not give it a go and join one of our Walk Together groups?
Walk Together offers a regular programme of free, sociable, and accessible group walks within Leicestershire and Rutland led by trained volunteer walk leaders. Walk Together is coordinated, developed and delivered via a partnership of Leicestershire Local Authorities and Active Together.
Walk Together guided walks are ideal for people who have done little to no exercise in the past. They vary in length from short to long walks, typically between 45 - 60 minutes, on well maintained, flat surfaces. Every walk encourages individuals to go at their own pace, and there will always be a Walk Leader to ensure no one is left behind.
Find out more about Walk Together here.
Choose How You Move
Holidays Together
JUST South Leicestershire 2023
Let's Get Moving Champions
Local parkrun
Walk Together
Let's Get Moving for Less!
Start a Conversation, Suicide is Preventable
This Girl Can
We Are Undefeatable
National Governing Bodies
Ramblers Association
- Contact Name
- General enquiries
- Contact Email
- ramblers@ramblers.org.uk
- Contact Telephone
- 020 7339 8500
Live Well Leicester
At Live Well Leicester we are fully committed to supporting out local communities in Leicester to become, happier, healthier and fitter.
Leicester Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Centre
Leicester Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Centre is a voluntary organisation established to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Abbey Park Virtual Orienteering
Virtual orienteering on your smart phone, download map from British orienteering which takes you round Abbey Park.
Abbey Park, Leicester
Abbey Park is Leicester’s premier park and lies approximately one mile north of the city centre. Perfect for walks and picnics.
Peepul Enterprise
Peepul Enterprise is home to Peepul Gym and Spa, who house a variety of classes for all.
With Mixed and Women Gyms, An Aqua Spa, Physio Therapy, Hollistics and Personal Trainers to suite your needs.
Abbey Park Pets Corner Orienteering Trails
Beginner Permanent Orienteering Trails for you to follow starting from Abbey Park pets corner.
Leicester Victoria parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
The Fitness Maison
This Ladies ONLY facility welcomes all ladies. The gym is designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible
as we know attending the gym can be a daunting experience - There is no better way to accomplishing your fitness goals than in a safe haven
Victoria Park
Victoria Park was the city's race course until 1883, the park now has thoughtfully laid out pathways shaded by avenues of trees dividing its 69 acres of open parkland.
Includes an Outdoor Gym.
Leicester City Football Club Community Trust
Leicester City in the Community (LCitC) is an independent, registered charity. LCitC harnesses the power of football to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential.
Sports U
SportsInU provides instructors and services such as Boxercise, Football, Dance/exercise to music, Basketball, Mix Martial Arts and seated exercise activities to keep people healthy and fit.
Western Park
The site was purchased for development as a park in 1897 and to this day Western Park is the largest park in Leicester, offering 72 hectares to explore.
Spinney Hill Park
Created in 1885, Spinney Hill Park is a popular park with 34 acres of sloping parkland with walks under shady tree avenues, playgrounds and ball courts..
Includes and Outdoor Gym.
Braunstone parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
Braunstone Park
The 168 acres of Braunstone Park are a reminder of Braunstone’s pastoral heritage with large areas of well-established open parkland, woodlands spinneys and meadows.
Includes Outdoor Gym Equipment.
Active Leicester: Braunstone And Rowley Fields
The Active Leicester: BRF project offers residents of the Braunstone and Rowley Fields ward of Leicester City aged 14+ the opportunity to take part in free sport and physical activity sessions; all delivered locally by supportive 'Activators'.
Aylestone Meadows
Aylestone Meadows forms the southern end of the Leicester riverside that stretches through the heart of the city to Watermead Country Park in the north.
Shakespeare Park
The park contains a small children's playground, tennis courts, a football pitch, changing rooms and a bowling club.
Leicestershire Amputee Support Group
We here at the Amputation Foundation welcome the opportunity to offer a support group to fellow amputees in the Midlands area.
Mossdale Meadows
Mossdale Meadows is one of our larger parks. It is quite a varied park, with a good range of sports equipment and pitches, as well as plenty of natural areas.
Beaumont Park
Beaumont Park’s large landscaped open spaces are dotted with small woodlands and wildlife areas, close to Beaumont Leys Shopping centre.
Choose How You Move
Choosehowyoumove.co.uk is a partnership project between Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council, and funded by the Department for Transport.
Watermead Mammoth Orienteering Course
Permanent Orienteering Trails for you to follow around Watermead Country Park.
Live Well Walk More - Town Hall Square
Live Well Leicester offers a wide range of free led health walks across Leicester. Pre booking is required and can by done by calling the Live Well team on 0116 454 4000.
Live Well Walk More - African Caribbean Centre
Live Well Leicester offers a wide range of free led health walks across Leicester. Pre booking is required and can by done by calling the Live Well team on 0116 454 4000.
Live Well Walk More - Aylestone Leisure Centre
Live Well Leicester offers a wide range of free led health walks across Leicester. Pre booking is required and can by done by calling the Live Well team on 0116 454 4000.
Leicester Victoria parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
Live Well Walk More - Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre
Live Well Leicester offers a wide range of free led health walks across Leicester. Pre booking is required and can by done by calling the Live Well team on 0116 454 4000.
Weekly Walkers - Belgrave Lock
A weekly walking club, designed for those looking to become more active by walking regularly. Each session is an hour, starting and finishing at Belgrave Lock. The walk is at a gentle pace, and the routes are around the beautiful waterways of Leicester.
Braunstone parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
Health Walk - Braunstone Town
The Active Blaby team co-ordinate and sometimes lead a series of walks designed to get people moving. These Health Walks are quite short in length, relatively easy in pace and are delivered in a way to get you moving as a first step to building activity into your day. They are also a great chance to socialise with other like minded people and have some fun too!!
Live Well Walk More - Beaumont Leys Library
Live Well Leicester offers a wide range of free led health walks across Leicester. Pre booking is required and can by done by calling the Live Well team on 0116 454 4000.
Discover WALX and what it can do for YOU!
WALX sessions need to be experienced. See for yourself how powerful walking-based exercise can be when it's at the RIGHT LEVEL!
National Forest Walking Festival
The National Walking month falls during May, one of the best times of the year to be outdoors in the National Forest. From the drama of spring blossom, the heady scent of bluebells carpeting ancient woods, and the chance to see wildlife in abundance are all wonderful for the mind and soul.
Rutland Night 10K Walk
Rutland Night10k at Rutland Water. Three evenings with walkers on Thursday and Runners on Friday and Saturday. The event is for everyone to come and enjoy a fantastic experience no matter what their ability. Each November you have the chance to experience this incredible venue after dark with our beautiful lights around the entire course.
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The Belvoir Challenge
The Belvoir Challenge is a 15 or 26 mile event for walkers and runners around the Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire.
National Lottery Open Week 2023
The National Lottery Open Week is a week for National Lottery funded venues to say thank you to the players of the National Lottery who have raised £30 million + for good causes.
Daily Boost Move it March
Get active this March and have the chance to win the most active school award! Don't forget to log your activity with Daily Boost to earn your Daily Boost points too.
JUST South Leicestershire 2023
JUST is a physical activity programme that provides the opportunity for women of all ages and abilities to get involved in a range of physical activity sessions across South Leicestershire.
The Big Paddle Cleanup
The Big Paddle Cleanup is returning for two weeks of action to continue the mission to improve our precious blue places.
Community Walking Grants - Leicester City
1:00am - Fri 31st March, 2023
The community walking grant is to assist communities to implement group activities which encourage people to walk locally in Leicester. The emphasis is on local walking to encourage more people to explore the city of Leicester on foot (its streets, parks and waterside) and discover good short walks close to home.
https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/britain-on-foot
http://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday/walking/
http://www.nationalforest.org/visit/index.php?control=see-and-do&action=map&lhs=103
http://nordicwalking.co.uk/
http://www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/walking-in-leicester
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks-and-outdoor-activities/where-to-walk-in-leicestershire
http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/things-to-do/sport-and-leisure/walking
https://www.active-together.org/walking
