What happened when we went for a walk... 

May is National Walking Month. 

National Walking Month was started by health and transportation groups to combat the lifestyle seen in modern societies where we sit down - A LOT -  and to promote sustainable transport. It has since grown into a widely recognized event that celebrates the numerous benefits of walking.

How could we not join in? 

In the Wellbeing Service, Lauren (Wellbeing Navigator) and Jenni (Wellbeing Group Coordinator) took a brave step into launching 4 walks, on 4 Wednesdays in 4 different locations in Doncaster. 

Supported by our wonderful Community Connectors team, Emma, Zain, Rachael and Marie to get the word out that we were going for a walk! 

Walk 1

Our 1st Walk of the Month was at Sandall Beat Wood in Central Locality. 

Sandall Beat Wood is a popular woodland with the local community between Intake and Armthorpe and home to Volunteering Activities with Friends of Sandall Beat Wood, and Community walks with Neil and Doug. (They meet opposite the Playground each Thursday at 10am)  

The weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm - perfect for a casual stroll around a much loved natural environment - and then a chat and natter on the benches near the playground. 

The ice cream van was even out! 

It was the perfect start to our walking adventure.

Walk 2

Our 2nd walk of the Month was in Sprotbrough - North Locality! We welcomed a group of 15 people who weren't phased by the drizzly weather! 

It did eventually clear up and we took a steady stroll down the side of the River Don, stopping to look in Bird Hides overlooking the Flash, noticing the wildlife - flora and fauna, and climbing the hill up to the Conisbrough Viaduct so that we could marvel at how high up we were! 

We took the time to get into the caves and explore our surroundings - even finding a Cave Troll! 

The photo is of Emma - our Community Connector for the North, with one of the Get Doncaster Moving team who kindly joined us on our walk! 

We were also joined by the wonderful team from Victim Support who came prepared with massive brollies! 

We ended our walk with a refreshing drink at The Boat Inn - huge thank you for your hospitality and saving us a lovely space to have a drink after our 4 mile walk. 

Walk 3

Our 3rd walk of May was in the beautiful village of Auckley (South Locality). We headed down the River Torne is some pretty serious rain - but we made light of it, playing on the swings, climbing the rope bridge and enjoying the zip wire! 

We were joined by our lovely friends, Kat and Eve, from Potteric Carr on our walk this time. They delighted us by identifying different plants, animals and flowers - including some rather fragrant pineapple smelling weeds! They have some wonderful walks and volunteering opportunities at Potteric Carr if you wanted to explore working with nature. 
We talked about the benefits of nature, listening to the wind and took a moment to enjoy the sound of the breeze in the trees. 

We headed down to the bridge on the River Torne and played Pooh-Sticks before heading back down the river side and having a well earned drink and chat at the Eagle and Child pub just over the road. (huge thank you to the  Landlord for letting us park in your car park!) 

Walk 4

Our last walk of May was in the stunning village of Thorne (East Locality). Lauren led this walk and we headed down the Canal from the Canal Tavern, we enjoyed seeing the industry of the canal, all the beautiful narrow boats and enjoying the sun on our backs. 

We walked through Thorne Community Woodlands and took a circular turn into a lovely meadow. Here we took a moment to practice mindfulness, listening to the passing trains, the wind in the trees and feeling the temperature change as the sun went behind a cloud. 

As the rain started again we headed back into the woods and back towards the lock. 

A huge thank you to Volunteer Lock Keeper, Paul from The Canal and River Trust, who made Jenni's day when he allowed us to see how a lock works and hear about a day in the life of a Lock Keeper! The Canal and River Trust have amazing volunteering opportunities on their website. 

And that's it.

4 walks, 4 weeks, 4 locations. We've met such wonderful people, learned loads of new things and enjoyed spreading the love of walking. 

Next Steps

Our next Walking activity will be on Wednesday 28th August 2024 when we revisit Sprotbrough and share more about the amazing Conisbrough Viaduct. 

Places are limited so please book your place by:

• Texting: 07760 562448 (Jenni)  or 07928 821854 (Lauren)
• Emailing: wellbeing@doncastermind.org.uk
• Calling: 01302 812190 

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