If you love walking and would like to help others experience the health and wellbeing benefits of walking, join a team of over 300 Health Walk volunteers. You don’t have to be super fit or know how to read a map. You can lead walks or provide support from the back. 

Volunteer once a week or once a month – it’s up to you. The next free training is on the 11th April in Stevenage, which will be followed by other training events across the county during the year.

What you’ll be doing
Typically, a walk requires a leader and backmarker, but there are other roles that are equally important. Your role during a walk depends on what you feel most able and comfortable to do. The roles and responsibilities include:

• Walk leader
• Backmarker
• Walk support
• Greeter/buddy
• Adminstrative

Skills and experience
Previous experience isn’t necessary as volunteers get training before starting their role. All new walk leaders will be paired up with those who are more experienced and given time to learn the existing routes.

How much time you need to give
There is no expectation of time commitment – you can volunteer as little as an hour per month, or more frequently, up to several hours per week. There are many different walks throughout the week including weekends and summer evening walks.

Where you’ll be located
Hertfordshire Health Walks are in many areas across the county. The district council areas with walks include Dacorum, Watford, Three Rivers, St Albans, Hertsmere, North Herts, Welwyn Hatfield and East Herts. Administration volunteers can be supported to work from home or at the CMS office.

What you’ll gain from the role
Volunteering with Health Walks will give you the opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and get out in the fresh air. You’ll also be helping us to get more people out enjoying the countryside and keeping active. Area groups also arrange ad hoc social events, ranging from barbecues to pub lunches and special guided walks.

Training and support
All Health Walks volunteers start by attending a free one-day course, certified by Ramblers UK. Once this is completed, you’ll be given a Progress Card to note when you have completed your practical training. This training includes shadowing an existing walk leader/backmarker and then co-leading a walk.

There is no obligation to become a walk leader. Some of our volunteers find that they prefer to serve as a backmarker and encourage/motivate participants who are walking for the social aspect more than the fitness. 

Support is available during this time from fellow volunteers and your Countryside Management Service (CMS) Health Walks co-ordinator.  There is also the opportunity to obtain basic First Aid training.

Equipment will be provided to ensure the delivery of safe and enjoyable walks including a Health Walks backpack, clipboard, high-vis vest, whistle and a Health Walks polo shirt.

Remaining Training dates 2025*
When                                                    Where
Friday 11 April 2025                        Farnham/Robertson House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST
Tuesday 8 July 2025                        To be confirmed
*Dates and availability are subject to change and additional dates may be added.

If you’d like to know more, you can speak to a member of the team on 01992 555888 or visit the Health Walks website.

Apply online to become a volunteer HERE.

Hertfordshire County Council