Let’s Get Doncaster Walking!
Hello there
If you’re looking for a way to get more active, walking is a great place to begin. It’s free, it’s easy to get started and it can really make a positive difference to how you feel.
With its beautiful parks and countryside, Doncaster is a great place to take up walking. There are lots of free walking groups in Doncaster too, where people can make new friends and get out and about in their local area.
As we continue our campaign to Get Doncaster Moving, we’ve been speaking to residents in Doncaster about the positive difference that walking has made in their lives. Below, you can read about how walking helped to improve Lorraine’s wellbeing following a bereavement, and how it has helped Angela to manage her health issues.
We’ve also included links to their Doncaster-based walking groups, Walking in Circles and the Denaby Health Walk. You can find lots more walking groups on the Get Doncaster Moving website too. https://getdoncastermoving.org/walking
Together, let’s enjoy the benefits of going for a walk – and let’s Get Doncaster Moving!
Lorraine’s story: Seeing sights and making friends
 Edlington resident Lorraine took up walking to support her physical and mental health following the loss of her mum in 2015. Today she gets out for a walk at least once a week, including with local walking group Walking in Circles.
“The benefits of walking are that it keeps you healthy, it keeps you motivated, and you get to meet people,” says Lorraine. “You can make new friends and it means that you’re outside being active, not just stuck indoors.”
One of Lorraine’s favourite walks is through the Brickyard in Edlington, which takes in Martin Wells lake and the nearby woodland.
“You get to see all the different animals and flowers as you walk, and it takes you all the way down to the boating on the lake,” she says. “It’s a nice steady walk.”
Anyone can get involved in Walking in Circles, which regularly posts information about its upcoming walks on its Facebook page.
People who are just starting out can begin with short walks before progressing to longer trails. The main thing is to have fun and get to know other people.
“We have a laugh, you see different things on every walk, and we all have a good bond with each other,” says Lorraine. “We can talk about anything we want to.”
More information about Walking in Circles can be found here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1873130282848395/
Angela’s story: Bringing the community together
 A familiar face to many in the Denaby area, Angela is local community champion for the Active Dearne Project and regularly runs activities and groups across Denaby for local people to attend.
Although Angela hasn’t always been a keen walker, she’s discovered that it makes a big difference to her overall wellbeing.
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Angela has health conditions, including fibromyalgia and an underactive thyroid, and says walking has been hugely important for both her physical and mental health.
“I don’t have a lot of energy, and I do get easily tired, but I’ve really benefited from walking in so many ways,” she says.
Angela runs a range of activities for local people to attend including the Denaby Health Walk. These walks are free to join for people of all ages and abilities, with different routes in and around Denaby.
“Even just walking around the streets can be beneficial,” says Angela. “You’re always likely to see someone who will greet you with a smile.”
More information about the Denaby Health Walk can be found here
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Treasure hunt trails for Doncaster families
 Parents and kids can get walking by taking part in a pirate-themed Explorers Quest at locations across Doncaster. Running until 5th September, the quest is an action-packed treasure hunt for children to spot and collect clues to help Digby the pirate dog find his missing treasure!
Created by parenting community Doncaster Mumbler in partnership with Get Doncaster Moving, the quest includes trails at Hexthorpe Park, Sandall Park, Welfare Park Stainforth, Dunsville Quarry Park, Thorne Memorial Park, Denaby Memorial Park and Cusworth Hall.
We want to hear your story
Help to Get Doncaster Moving by sharing your story of how walking or being active has made a positive difference in your life, using the hashtag #GetDoncasterMoving on social media
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