Hertfordshire Health Walks: Welcoming and Inclusive Walks for All

Hertfordshire Health Walks are proud to be part of the No Limits 2026 campaign, supporting a shared commitment to inclusive and welcoming walking opportunities. The programme contributes to countywide efforts to increase physical activity by delivering fun, free and safe group walks that are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. 

To help people find the right walk from them, all Health Walks are graded. This is unique to the Health Walks Scheme. Over the past 18 months, the provision of 'First Steps' short, gentle walks has doubled, significantly strengthening the programme’s inclusive offer. Many of these walks are suitable for wheelchair users and those using walking aids, providing an accessible entry point that sits alongside the programme’s brisker walks.

Hertfordshire Health Walks delivers a broad range of inclusive initiatives designed to ensure walks are accessible, welcoming and supportive, strengthening the programme’s reach and impact across communities. This inclusive approach is reflected through the following measures: 

• A range of First Steps walks are offered that are wheelchair accessible, delivered on flat, paved routes with benches and rest points to support a wide range of participant needs.  

• Walks are structured to encourage social connection and wellbeing, often concluding with the opportunity for participants to continue conversations over refreshments.  

• Short social media videos are used to showcase the Health Walks experience, introducing walk leaders, highlighting meeting points and setting out what participants can expect.  

• Walk leaders are fully equipped to support a wide range of participant needs and have received Making Every Contact Count training, enabling them to confidently support positive health conversations.  

• Walks are designed to be low‑barrier and inclusive, requiring no specialist equipment beyond comfortable footwear and a bottle of water.  

• Walks are mostly located within one mile of public transport, helping to improve accessibility and support participation from a wide range of communities.

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 Recent measures taken inspired by No Limits 2026:

1. The programme has recently become Dementia Friendly Accredited, meaning it policies, walking environments and communications have been reviewed and approved to be accessible, inclusive and supportive for people living with dementia.
2. An Easy Read guide has been produced to support accessibility and understanding of the offer, ensuring clear and inclusive information for a wide range of participants.
3. A revised Healthwalks Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals which will include information about Long Term Health Conditions and Ramblers guidance will be live on the webiste by the end of April 2026.

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Marcus, a Supported Intern with Autism Spectrum Disorder working within the Local Offer team at Hertfordshire County Council, shares his experience of Hertfordshire Health Walks, highlighting the programme’s inclusive approach and impact.  

“My experience with the Health Walk is that it has boosted my energy and it has been fun chatting to the participants which has improved my social skills and meet new people. The Grade 1 Health Walk at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage is accessible to individuals with SEND as most of the terrain is flat, suitable for the people who are in wheelchairs. They offer skills such as social skills, confidence and independence.” 

You can read about Marcus's full experience here. 

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The Moving More Activity Finder, provides a single, countywide platform for signposting people to local physical activity opportunities which includes all local Hertfordshire Health Walks.