Doncaster walking group use Sandall Beat Woods to combat social isolation

The Doncaster walking group meets every Thursday morning - rain or shine to walk and chat together for an hour.
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There are 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK according to Age UK - but groups like these help to get people out and about, exercising and talking.

Viv Dales, aged 68, from Warmsworth has been a walk leader for 12 years - it’s her job to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable whilst taking part in the walk.

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She said: “The walks are for your health but also for social interaction.

Sandall Beat woods walking group.Sandall Beat woods walking group.
Sandall Beat woods walking group.

“It makes people feel better - you get companionship and we always have a cup of tea and a natter together afterwards.”

Viv has a personal goal to walk 1,000 miles this year - she has already completed 100 miles in January.

The group is open to anyone and is free to attend - they only ask that you wear appropriate footwear for woodlands.

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They always meet at 10am and walk for one hour but take multiple different routes through the woods - they’re usually approximately two miles long.

Denise Coats, aged 67, from Kirksandall said: “I enjoy the group and I’ve made friends here.

“After I retired I sat around not doing anything - which is no good for you.

“This is a nice social group and you get to talk to lots of different people.

“I always feel better in myself after an hour's walk.”

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The group's oldest member is John Waller, aged 87, from Bessacarr - he has been attending the walks for 10 years.

He said: “It keeps you alive longer - it keeps me fit and these guys look after me.”

Julia Potter, aged 68, from Wheatley Hills attended her first walk this Thursday morning.

She said: “I feel invigorated after that walk - I’ve definitely released some endorphins.

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“I haven’t been into these woods since I was a child, it was amazing to see how far they stretch.

“I would really recommend it to people.”

If you want to find out more about the health walks you can visit: https://getdoncastermoving.org/walking