Join Our Walkers
All are welcome on our cross-country walks. If you are new to Health Walks it would be advisable to start with one of the shorter, slower walks.
However, if you have a disability, or are very unfit, consult your doctor and then start with a First Steps walk.
Each walk has been graded into one of four categories, as follows:
| Grade | Terrain | Fitness Level |
|---|---|---|
| FS | Level on surfaced footpath | Unfit, or recovering from illness or injury. |
| C | Fairly level, some 'off road' and gentle hills, no stiles | Some level of fitness required, though may be recovering from illness or injury |
| B | 'Off road', with moderate hills and possibility of stiles | Fit and able to sustain a speed of 3 miles an hour for 20 minutes or more |
| A | 'Off road', with steeper hills and possibility of stiles | Fit and able to sustain a speed in excess of 4 miles an hour for 30 minutes or more |
If you are new to Health Walking you will be asked to complete a short Health Questionnaire prior to starting the walk. If you would like to print this off and complete it in advance, please click/tap here.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for introductions, and to hand in your form.
All walks have a trained volunteer leader at the front and back, who carry a first aid kit. Each leader has received training in basic first aid and resuscitation.
Please wear comfortable loose clothing, trainers, walking boots or sturdy flat shoes. As most of our walks take place partly across country footpaths, these can be muddy during wet weather - so please wear shoes/boots that provide an adequate amount of weatherproofing. Please note, wellington boots are not considered suitable as typically they do not provide sufficient grip when walking at speed.
Bring a small bottle of water to drink during and after the walk, especially when the weather is hot
If you take any medication whilst exercising, eg asthma inhalers, please remember to bring these with you.
Dogs are welcome provided that they are kept on a lead when walking on public roads and are under control when off the lead in open places, particularly where there are livestock (typically cattle, sheep, horses but wild deer may also be seen).
Some walkers are scared of dogs, so you may be asked to walk with your dog away from from those walkers (either in front or behind).
Owners must be aware of their dog at all times, and ensure that the dog does not weave in and out between walkers, and cause someone to trip. If a walk leader feels that a dog is not properly controlled they may ask the owner to control the dog or leave the walk.
Sonning Common Health Walks and WfH do not accept responsibility for any incident or damage caused by a dog, and advise owners to take out insurance against accident and third party liability.
The walks take place every day of the year, except for Bank Holidays and two weeks around Christmas & New Year, see the timetable for exact dates.