Attend our Jan 2025 community "Stress Busters" CBT course for prevention information or support!

Attend our Jan 2025 community "Stress Busters" CBT course for information and prevention if not support!

New Stress Busters course starting online with psychologist Dr Ann O'Hanlon. Places limited.

New Stress Busters course starting online with psychologist Dr Ann O'Hanlon. Places limited.

Access all of our supports from the comfort and privacy of home.

Access all of our supports from the comfort and privacy of home.

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Getting out walking

Walking is simple, free, and very safe! It is one of the easiest ways to get active, lose weight, become healthier physically and emotionally, and have fun while making new friends (NHS). Walking can help build stamina, burn calories and make hearts healthier. Even a 10-minute daily walk has many health benefits and can count towards the  150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults. Our towns and countryside are incredibly beautiful - so don't miss out on these sights, scents and views - all while enjoying really great company! 

Walking Saves LIves

Our "Walking Saves Lives" project aims to  help motivate  people to get walking  given the  physical, social and emotional health benefits. Walking is so important for emotional and physical health that we are planning a series of short, fun, and social walks beginning in the Newry area (no cost).

Do join us if you can - all ages, backgrounds and cultures are most welcome, incl children and dogs (though dogs must be under control at all times)! It is essential to call/email us to register ahead so we can discuss your preferences and keep you up-to-date re all things practical on-the-day, especially as there may be late or on-the-day changes.

Note: We may also be able to connect you with other walking groups in the area or check locally organised walks yourself e,g, see the Ramblers website.

Centre Organised Walks

All Centre walks will be advertised on Facebook. For a safe and fun walk (30-60 mins) with peers, all walkers must: 

  • have shoes or boots that are comfortable, provide adequate support and are appropriate for the conditions (you will know in advance where the walk take place / call us), 
  • have (waterproof) jackets or coats appropriate for the conditions
  • register ahead and sign a health form in advance / on the day to confirm responsibility for their own health and safety on each walk. 

 Please note we are an informal peer group with no medical / trekking expertise, so do check in advance any health or other concerns with your GP, us, or others as appropriate. 

Other Walking Groups

Other groups share our enthusiasm for walking. Some of these are listed as below solely for information and we have no responsibility for these groups or their activities.

Wee Binnians

Wee Binnian Walkers is referred to as ‘the social club that walks’. They are based close to the north-eastern border area of Ireland, around Newry, Co Down and Dundalk, Co Louth but they welcome walkers from all areas and regions.

More information

NHS: Walking for health

Before you start

Any shoes or trainers that are comfortable, provide adequate support and do not cause blisters will do. If you're walking to work, you could wear your usual work clothes with a comfy pair of shoes and change shoes when you get into work.

For long walks, you may want to take some water, healthy snacks, a spare top, sunscreen and a sun hat in a small backpack.

If you start going for longer walks regularly, you may want to invest in a waterproof jacket and some specialist walking shoes for more
challenging routes.

What if I'm not very active?

A brisk walk is about 3 miles an hour, which is faster than a stroll. You can tell you're walking briskly if you can still talk but cannot sing the words to a song.

If you're not very active but are able to walk, increase your walking distance gradually. If your joints are a problem, check whether your local swimming pool holds exercise classes. The water helps to support your joints while you move and can help you strengthen your muscles. Also, and espeically if you have a health condition, do get advice abotu walking from your GP

Staying motivated

  1. Make it a habit: The easiest way to walk more is to make walking a habit. Think about ways to include walking in your daily routine, eg walking to work, or
    getting off the bus one stop earlier or using the stairs instead of lifts.
  2. Listen to music; walking while listening to music or a podcast can take your mind off the effort. It can also get you into a rhythm and help you walk faster.
  3. Use Apps that can allow you to track how much and how far or fast you have walked. Apps can also give you goals to work towards and reward your progress.
  4. Add variety to your walks. Towns and cities offer interesting walks, including parks, canal towpaths, riverside paths, woodlands and nature reserves.