Susan Toon, Mayor Adamson and Helen Garside

A new walking guide launched in Thirsk this week means each of Hambleton’s market towns is now covered by the innovative ‘walking to health’ scheme.

Visitors and local residents are discovering the district’s hidden gems with special ‘walk packs’ created by the Hambleton Strollers.

The Thirsk pack – one of two launched this summer – is part of a series created to encourage people to use walking to keep fit and healthy. It contains a series of short walks around the town. There are similar publications available for Northallerton, Easingwold, Stokesley and Bedale.

Set up under the ‘Walking for Health’ scheme, the Strollers has weekly outings in Stokesley, Great Ayton, Bedale and Northallerton and fortnightly walks in Thirsk and Easingwold - which are led by volunteers.

Routes are generally on level surfaces in towns and villages - using field paths when the weather is suitable. And everyone is welcome – especially older people and those who would like to find new friends and new places to go. Walking is particularly suitable for people with health problems - heart conditions, asthma, Type II diabetes and certain cancers - which can all be improved by taking regular exercise.

Copies of the Strollers programmes are available from local libraries, council offices and leisure centres. Or for more details call Age Concern on 01609 771624.