Herefordshire Council is launching a series of short walks to help people walk their way back to health.
Walking for health is part of the national Footprints Countywide initiative which aims to offer local people a timetable of led health walks and increase the number of people walking in the county.
The scheme is co-ordinated by Herefordshire Council and targets people of all ages who need to get involved in gentle exercise to improve their health. Participants typically include people referred by their GPs or recovering from an operation or illness.
The programme of walks take place weekly and vary in duration from 20 to 60 minutes. All walks have been designed so that walkers can opt out after 20 minutes if they wish, making them ideal for those getting back into fitness.
Short walks are already well established in Hereford, Fownhope, Ross on Wye, Clehonger and Kington and on 31st March, when the scheme is officially launched, a new walk will begin at Ewyas Harold. Additional walks are planned for later in the year in Ledbury and Weobley.
The launch, which takes place at the Kindle Centre at 12 noon, includes the presentation of the scheme's newly achieved accreditation from the British Heart Foundation and Natural England.
Charlotte Dodson, walking for health co-ordinator, said: "These walks are great fun and are absolutely free of charge. We live in a beautiful county which makes it easy to get out and about. All our walks are on flat, mud-free routes to make it easier for people who are gradually becoming active again.
"Many of our walkers have met new people and carried on with the weekly walks, even when their fitness levels have returned."
Anyone can get involved in setting up a walking group by contacting Charlotte Dodson on (01432) 261864. Charlotte will provide free training to help identify and lead walks, and provide publicity for groups as well.