National Walking Month 2024

May is National Walking Month, and what better way to mark it than by exploring Waltham Forest on foot? May also includes Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), and we spoke to Jon Salmon, who runs monthly Wellbeing Walks from Fellowship Square, about getting out and walking for mental health.

"Now that the sun has finally decided to appear, it's a good time for us all to get out for a spot of exercise. Not only is it National Walking Month in May, the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is 'Movement'.

I love this theme for Mental Health Awareness Week - it means you could go for a local walk, join a running group, or even dance around your kitchen!

However, when I was younger, doing any form of movement was a real struggle when I had a period of really poor mental health. Of all the help that I have had from family, friends, and doctors it was doing some movement that helped my recovery.

I have since joked that at the time getting out of bed felt like a marathon, but over the years very slowly I did end up running that marathon. Running became my go-to activity to clear my head when I was stressed or anxious. However, after an injury to my knee last year I haven’t been able to do any running, and this has been a real struggle for me.

It was then that a good friend Simon suggested that we start up a monthly Wellbeing Walk from Fellowship Square in Walthamstow, aimed at encouraging anyone to come out for a gentle walk. 

Since June last year we have been meeting up by the fountains on the last Monday of the month waiting to see who might turn up for a circular walk to Lloyd Park and back. Some months we have had one person join us, and others over 10. Every single walk though has helped me, and I know those that have joined us have benefited from connecting with others and getting outside.

So, whatever you decide to do in the month of May, I hope you can find a bit of time for yourself and find moments for movement in your daily routine.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week and access resources.

Our next Wellbeing Walk from Fellowship Square is on Monday 27 May at 1pm. For more information please follow our Instagram or email us at ttcwfhub@gmail.com."

Ways to get walking in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Wanders

Our Waltham Forest Wander walks give you routes that combine the borough's green spaces with history and entertainment - have you ever explored the Highams Park animal sculpture trail?

We have new Waltham Forest Wanders routes coming this month so keep an eye out - they'll be available as digital downloads or as a handy physical booklet. View the current booklet.

Feel Good Walks

Our Feel Good Walks are weekly sociable walks taking in some of Waltham Forest's beautiful green spaces. They are all led by trained volunteers, with options for shorter and slower-paced walks. They're free, everyone is welcome, and there's no need to book in advance. View the timetable of walks.  

Go Jauntly

Go Jauntly is a free app that helps you discover and navigate walking routes in your area. Did you know that the recently created Green Link walk starts in Walthamstow - and, if you're ready for a long stroll, takes you all the way to Peckham?

Parkwalk!

While the name suggests it's a jog, you're perfectly welcome to complete a Parkwalk instead, at their free weekly 5k events. Parkrun takes place each Saturday at 9am at the Peter May Sports Ground, and you're welcome to walk - including with a buggy or walking aid. Find out more on their website.

Community and local walking groups

Some of our local community groups run activities to help you get walking, discover Waltham Forest and meet other people in your area.

Salaam Peace

Salaam Peace is an organisation dedicated to helping people through sport and activity. They are currently leading walks every week during term time, on Fridays at 10am - 11.30am, meeting at St James Street station. Get in touch with contact@salaampeace.org to sign up or enquire about further details.

Mental Health Mates - Highams Park

Mental Health Mates is a national organisation, with over 150 walks taking place across the UK, encouraging people to get active and meet new people without fear of judgment.

In Waltham Forest, Steve leads Mental Health Mates walks on weekends in Highams Park. For more information, check out their Facebook page, where walk details are posted regularly.

Lbs 4 Peace

Starting on 1 June, Lbs 4 Peace will be hosting 'Steps & Checks' walks for women in and around Leyton Jubilee Park, helping to promote wellness and recreation in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The walks are all free find out more and sign up. There will also be specific mother and baby walks taking place in Higham Hill Park.

You can also join the Lbs 4 Peace virtual community on the Pacer fitness app, where you'll find fellow walking enthusiasts, fun step challenges and peer-to-peer support. Available for free via your mobile app store.

The London Strollers

The Strollers lead group walks of around 2 to 7 miles in the Greater London area, held at a leisurely pace.  We don't like to rush so our walks are at a leisurely pace and between 2 to 7 miles. Their walks are great for anyone who wants to explore London and the surrounding countryside. Find out more.