Walking Programmes

The Wellness Service currently has a '3 Tier Walking Programme', aiming to have a level of walking for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. These being: 

1-3 Mile Way Marked Routes

For those who may have had a break from exercise for a while, or who have lower fitness levels and want to go out and give walking a try as an individual/personal activity

In Sunderland we now have measured walks within some of our local parks to help you meet your physical activity targets. These measured and signposted routes will help you to increase your activity levels as well as enjoying our parks all year round.
Dependant on the size of the park, routes are set to approximately 1, 2 or 3 miles in distance and most routes are suitable for walkers, runners, pushchair and wheelchair users. 
Printed map packs of all walk routes and walking information are available on request, or can be downloaded individually:

Walk in the Park leaflet (278KB)
Wellness Walk Map Pack (2MB)

Sunderland's parks offer beautiful green spaces and many have interesting wildlife too. Walking is a great opportunity for people to get out of the house, on their own or with friends or family.

Wellness Walking Programme

For those who want to be part of a group and who may have gained their confidence and are ready for a more challenging walk (i.e. health walks are typically more than 3 miles long or last approximately an hour)

The Wellness Walking Programme is an exciting new initiative which is led by a team of Volunteer Walk Leaders and is accredited by Natural England's Walking for Health Scheme.

All walks are FREE of charge, last for approximately 1 hour, and there is no need to book a place. Participants are advised to dress for the weather. 
For further information please contact our Physical Activity Development Officer, 561 4693 or have a look at the Wellness Walking Programme to find a walk near you! Wellness walking programme (346KB)

There are also a whole host of other walking opportunities in the City. Take a look at the Walking Network Guide (101KB) to find one near you.  

You can also visit www.walk4life.info 

Nordic Walking

For those who walk regularly and are ready to take the next step in walking and/or would like a new challenge

Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing exercise activities in the UK and it is now available in Sunderland. It is a highly effective, affordable and fun method of becoming more active and improving your health and well-being. Nordic Walking uses special Nordic poles which offer the following physical benefits:

• The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
• The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/she works harder
• than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
• Tones the upper and lower body at the same time
• Uses 90% of the body's muscles
• Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking
• Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems
• Reduces the pressure on knees and joints