Swindon Festival of Walking 2011 

Join in with Swindon’s first ever Festival of Walking and discover why the borough is such a great place to walk.

The festival's events kick off with a circular guided walk from Broadgreen to Coate Water on Saturday 7 May.  They then run throughout the 2 week festival so there are plenty of opportunities for all Swindoners to take part!

Check out our event information below -



Saturday 7 May

Launch Walk
The festival kicks off with a circular guided walk from Broadgreen to Coate Water.  It will be led by trained volunteer walk leaders, while health ambassadors will also be on hand to chat to people and to answer health-related questions.
From: Broadgreen Community Centre
Time: 10.00am

> Launch Walk - more info

Monday 9 May

Pinehurst Health Walk
From: Pinehurst Library
Time: 1.00pm

Shaw Health Walk
From: Lower Shaw Farm
Time: 2.00pm

Tuesday 10 May

Central Health Walk
From: Broadgreen Community Centre
Time: 10.00am

Wednesday 11th May

Fitness Walk
With a fitness instructor - followed by refreshments
From: Stratton Leisure Centre
Members: £2.80
Non-members: £3.80
For more information call Anne Harris on 01793 825525 or email ann.harris@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk

Ramleaze Wheelie Health Walk
For parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users
From: Ramleaze Community Centre
Time: 9.45am

Walcot Health Walk
From: Walcot Dome
Time: 10.00am

Thursday 12th May

Walk4Life Stall
Visit the stall for top tips on walking for health and safer walking
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Where: Town centre (outside Debenhams)

Lunch hour Walk to Lydiard
A Park Ranger-guided walk to and through Lydiard Park for Windmill Hill Business Park employees.
From: The bus stop on Whitehill Way
Time: 12.00pm

Eldene Health Walk
From: Eldene Community Centre
Time: 2.30pm

Parks North & South Health Walk
From: St John’s Church
Time: 4.15pm

Friday 13th May

Liden Health Walk
From: Derryck Evans House
Time: 10.30am

Eldene Wheelie Health Walk
From: Eldene Children’s Centre
Time: 10.30am

Saturday 14th May

‘Hidden Gems of Chiseldon’
From: Chiseldon Church car park
Time: 9.45am
For more information contact Darren Sweeney on 07780 502176

‘Off the Beaten Track’
A Park Ranger-guided walk through the tree collection and Bruddel Wood with Swindon Mind (2 hours)
From: The Ranger Centre, Coate Water
Time: 10.30am

Sociable Stroll
A leisurely 3.5 mile walk around Stanton Park with the Ramblers
From: Marlborough Road/Lambourn Ave
Time: 10.00am or 10.15am at Stanton Park
Contact: John Simmons on 01793 485849 for more information

Sunday 15th May

‘Get Walking’
A 2 mile leisurely walk around Mouldon Hill Country Park with the Ramblers, suitable for beginners
From: Mouldon Hill Country Park new car park (opposite Tawny Owl pub)
Time: 2.00pm
For more information, call David Trease on 01793 616346 or 07534 049707

Monday 16th May

Pinehurst Health Walk
From: Pinehurst Library
Time: 1.00pm

Shaw Health Walk
From: Lower Shaw Farm
Time: 2.00pm

Tuesday 17th May

‘Spring Steps - Stanton Park to Highworth’
A 5 mile guided walk for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs
From: Stanton Park
Time: 12.00pm
For more information, call Wendy Selby on 01793 644900 or 07917 133115

Central Health Walk
From: Broadgreen Community Centre
Time: 10.00am

Wednesday 18th May

Stratton Fitness Walk
With a fitness instructor - followed by refreshments
From: Stratton Leisure Centre
Time: 12.00pm
Members: £2.80
Non-members: £3.80
For more information call Anne Harris on 01793 825525 or email ann.harris@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk

Walk Smart 4 Healthier Hearts
A gentle 1–2 mile stroll around Coate Water.
From: The Rangers’ station in the park
Time: 2.30pm.
For more information, contact Carole Jones 07557 197228 or e-mail: cjones@swindon.gov.uk

Ramleaze Wheelie Health Walk
From: Ramleaze Community Centre
Time: 9.45am

Walcot Health Walk
From: Walcot Dome
Time: 10.00am

Thursday 19th May

Upper Stratton Evening Walk
A leisurely 3.5 mile walk with the Ramblers.
From: Kingsdown Public House
Time: 6:15pm
For more information call David Trease 01793 616346 or 07534 049707

Eldene Health Walk
From: Eldene Community Centre
Time: 2.30pm

Parks North & South Health Walk
From: St John’s Church
Time: 4.15pm

Friday 20th May

Liden Health Walk
From: Derryck Evans House
Time: 10.30am

Eldene Wheelie Health Walk
From: Eldene Children’s Centre
Time: 10.30am

Saturday 21st May

Nordic Walking
Free taster session with poles provided
From: The car park next to Pilates Esprit Studio, opposite the Pig on the Hill pub in Old Town
Time: 10.00 – 11.00am
Contact: Sarah on 07909 956563 or Fiona 07789 205617

Sunday 22nd May

Swindon’s Hidden Wildlife Walk
Discover the rich variety of wildlife on your doorstep with this 2 hour guided walk from Quarry Wildlife Garden, along the railway track to Rushey Platt.
From: Quarry Wildlife Garden, Westlecot Road SN1 1RE
Time: 10.30am for a 10.45am start.


Please be advised to wear suitable footwear and to take a water bottle for these walks, especially in warmer weather.

For more information on health walks, local walking groups, routes and initiatives, please visit www.challengeswindon.org.uk or contact Amanda Rothwell on 07866 418537 or at arothwell@swindon.gov.uk.