Active Waterways Cheshire launches Over 55s fitness scheme

The Canal & River Trust has launched a new free 12-week health and fitness programme of weekly waterside walks for Cheshire residents aged over 55.

The “Active Waterways Cheshire” scheme aims to encourage less active people to increase their fitness levels and improve their health and wellbeing.

There will be weekly guided walks along Shropshire Union Canal in Nantwich and Chester.

And also walks near the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal in Northwich, as well as other areas of Cheshire.

For older residents still self-isolating or reluctant to leave home, a weekly one hour Zoom call is on offer.

This will offer advice, health tips and mindfulness sessions to encourage people to get back into activity in their own time.

Every walk will have a guide and a maximum of five walkers, allowing the group to comply with current social distancing guidelines.

Routes will be chosen to provide easy access for people with limited mobility.

Anika Neill, Active Waterways project manager with the Canal & River Trust, said: “We recognise many people have lost confidence in going out and about as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.

“This new series of weekly walks and online Zoom sessions is designed to encourage older people to get active again and benefit from the wonderful, relaxing, calm environment offered by Cheshire’s beautiful waterways.

“The walks will be tailored to meet the needs of the group and offer people a chance to make new friends and appreciate the inspiring natural world along the county’s canals and rivers.

“Research shows us that life truly is better by water so we would encourage anyone who wants to improve their health and well-being to get in touch and join us.”

Active Waterways Cheshire, supported by £222,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England, is an initiative within Sport England’s plan ‘Towards an Active Nation’.

It focuses on the county’s many beautiful waterways – part of the 2,000 miles of canals and rivers cared for by the Trust.

For more information or to get involved, please go the Canal & River Trust website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/activewaterways  or email the Active Waterways team on [email protected]

You can get a taste of what’s in store by enjoying a selection of virtual walks along Cheshire’s glorious waterways at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/walking/walking-routes

Dates and times of Active Waterways Cheshire walks
Nantwich
Date: Thursday 27/08/20 – 12/11/20
Time: 10:00 – 11:00

Macclesfield
Date: Friday 28/08/20 – 13/11/20
Time: 10:00 – 11:00

Ellesmere Port
Date: Wednesday 26/08/20 – 18/11/20
Times: 11am-12pm and 1-2pm

Chester
Date: Monday 24/08/20 – 16/11/20
Times: 12.45pm – 1.45pm, additional times TBC dependent on demand

Northwich (Anderton)
Date: Friday 28/08/20 – 20/11/20
Times: 10am – 11am, additional times TBC dependent on demand