In recent weeks communities Co. Louth & Co. Down came together through the first Walking for All twinning walk, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUBP) helping people connect through the simple act of walking. The event was created to mark an early milestone for the programme, with local groups sharing walks, conversations and experiences across community and county lines, and form part of the wider programme ambition and delivery.
The event formed part of the wider Walking for All programme of activities as part of the cross-border initiative which to date has developed weekly walks across the region and border counties and recruited 500 walk leaders in its first 6 months. Supported by €7.53 million from PEACEPLUS, and led by Outscape, the programme is being delivered across Northern Ireland in partnership with eight local councils and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, and across the border counties with six Local Sports Partnerships. The Public Health Agency, Sport Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking) as associate partners.
The Walking for All programme aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years, supporting healthier, more connected communities, helping adults of all ages and abilities become more active, support their mental wellbeing and build stronger social connections.
Free walks take place every week and no special equipment is required. The organisation is offering free Walk Leader training for anyone interested in setting up a regular community walk in their area. Walk Leaders receive full support and training, helping them to create a lasting local activity that is open, inclusive and easy to sustain.
The first twinning walks took place on 23 July in Carlingford involving Walking for All groups from Counties Louth and Down who met to take a guided historic walking tour of Carlingford Harbour. Each activity has been designed to provide meaningful community engagement, bringing together people of different places, backgrounds, ages and abilities to participate in walking together, with the core focus of sharing their love and walking experiences together and building new connections through the joy of walking.
Reflecting on the first Walking for All Twinning Walk in Carlingford involving walkers from Counties Louth and Down, Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, for Outscape and Walking for All said:
“Walking for All starts with something very simple: a free, welcoming walk in your own community. But the impact can go much further. People become more active, grow in confidence, meet neighbours and form friendships.
“These first twinning walks show those connections developing beyond individual walking groups. Participants are walking side by side, sharing their communities and beginning relationships that can continue long after the events have finished.
“We would love more people across Northern Ireland and the border counties to experience the benefits of Walking for All by joining their nearest walk or training to become a Walk Leader.”
One of the participants on the walk gave their positive feedback on how much they enjoyed the event.
“It was a brilliant day out and it was lovely to meet up with another walking group and have a chat and share our experiences. It was great to get out, enjoy the walk and history tour and meet new people. Looking forward to the next trip and meeting everyone again” Reaghstown Walkie Talkies, Co. Louth Participant
To join a local walking group follow the link Join a Walk | Free Weekly Walks Near You | Walking For All and search Louth to register.
If you would like to start a walking group in your community contact Grainne grainne@walkingforall.com
Walking for All is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)