Letham Happy Wanderers

Project information

Since 2012, Letham Happy Wanderers has been delivering weekly Health Walks in and around the village of Letham in Angus. Happy Wanderers is affiliated to Paths for All, now Walking Scotland, which aims to increase awareness of the benefits of being physically active as well as encourage more people to become active and stay active through walking. We have five trained and experienced Walk Leaders and can call on the assistance of one other if required. A Risk Assessment is completed for each walk and a Weekly Register retained in order to comply with insurance. The free walks accommodate all levels of fitness, and when a walk is slightly longer, there is always the option of a shorter circuit. To provide variety we sometimes use our bus passes to access routes in nearby towns and villages, and occasionally travel by car to areas not served by public transport. There is always a cup of tea or coffee on offer at the end of each walk. We have two larger scale social events in the year: in April, we celebrate the birthday of the group’s formation with a cake (usually not encouraged on regular health walks….!) plus we always have a fun filled Christmas party. On the last Thursday of each month we offer 20 minutes of Strength & Balance exercises; and on every walk, we usually incorporate a shorter period of exercise; we put together a 3-month programme of walks and provide each walker with a copy, so that they know in advance where we are going and the route on that particular day; we indicate on the programme which walks are most suitable for those who prefer walking on the flat. There are no breaks for holidays – we offer walks every week of the year. Our membership has links to all village organisations offering further physical and also social interaction, especially for residents new to the village. A warm welcome awaits everyone who would like to join our inclusive group.