Hiking 4 Health was established as a registered charity in 2019. The aims of Hiking 4 Health are to advance physical and emotional health through walks and walk related activities. We are also committed to reducing social isolation by having people walk together.
We run weekly walks on a Sunday which are open to all. We also have a fell walking group, a POM (Peace of Mind) group and a flagship event called the Steel Town 20 which has up to 250 people walking through the beautiful Derwent valley.
To join Hiking 4 Health please find us on Facebook or simply turn up to one of the walks listed in the Walks Timetable.
100 Walks, 100 Stories
The Heritage 100 project aims to create 100 collectable walks throughout County Durham.
Each route will be circular: beginning (and ending) at one of the distinctive Heritage 100 marker posts. Every walk will be between three and ten miles and will be spread throughout the county from the Heritage coast through the vale of Durham and out into the Durham dales. A wide and wonderful area to explore.
Steeltown 20 Challenge
This is an annual 20 mile walk around the Derwent valley beginning and ending near the former steel town of Consett. Passing through some stunning countryside on the border of County Durham and Northumberland, the walk is split into 3 stages.
Stage 1 ends at Shotley Bridge after approximately 7 miles. Stage 2 at Blackhall Mill after around 13 Miles and finally back to Allensford picnic site.
The Steel Town 20 is the flagship walk for Hiking 4 Health. For more information or to join this years Steel Town 20 Challenge group contact Hiking 4 Health by email
The Walker
Waking up to suicidal thoughts, Martin’s life is unravelling quickly. After systematically dismantling his life, he sets off on a long walk to nowhere.
With only the flimsiest of plans, he wanders along finding solace in the natural beauty that surrounds him. Accompanied by dark thoughts and the weight of his parents’ worries, he finds perspective in the kindness and suffering of those he encounters. Financially and emotionally spent, he must choose how his journey ends.
Does he remain the fearful boy of his childhood or does he accept a newfound self-awareness that might lead to recovery? In the end, he understands that all paths to his future lead back to his past.