Get active in Exeter's Valley Parks

Published: 12 March 2020

Exeter’s Valley Parks are the perfect place to get fit and healthy and back to nature.

A group of over-55s are getting active by taking park in Nordic Walking sessions for beginners.

The sessions in Mincinglake Valley Park are run by Exe Nordic Walking and funded by the Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) project.

Mincinglake is one of six Valley Parks owned by the City Council and managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.

Sue Holden, who runs the sessions said: “Nordic walking is a great outdoor activity where we use two poles to enhance our walking experience. It’s really great for your mental health and well being, you’re out in the fresh air, being sociable and having a great time.”

The sessions run on Thursday afternoons and are designed for people over 55 who are currently inactive or would like to do more.

In 2017, Exeter and Cranbrook was chosen by Sport England as one of only 12 pilot areas in England to work on a bold new approach to build healthier, active communities.

The Sport England flagship programme strives to tackle inactivity and change behaviour throughout the country, improving health and wellbeing.

The Nordic Walking sessions in Mincinglake Valley Park are held over six consecutive Thursdays with a new programme of sessions starting on Thursday 19 March. Devon Wildlife Trust attend a number of the sessions to introduce the park and the wildlife within it.

Exe Nordic Walking are looking to expand the sessions to other Valley Parks in the city.

To find out more about the sessions contact Jasmine at Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 260838,  email jatkinson@devonwildlifetrust.org or go to the Exe Nordic Walking website