Keep active with a free cycle ride on the Camel Trail

For anyone struggling to clear away the winter blues, Mobilise!, a project run by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly in partnership with Sustrans, is inviting people to get active before Christmas and join a free cycling and walking session between Wadebridge and Padstow.

Mobilise! has joined together with local Health Trainers and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to organise a Winter Woolly Hats walk and cycle ride along the Camel Trail on Tuesday, December 1.

Open to walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities, the Winter Woolly Hats event is designed to help improve the general health and well-being of those taking part through gentle activity.

Susie Lea, Co-ordinator of Sustrans’ Active Travel projects, said: “Shorter days and colder weather in winter can often put people off the idea of getting active in the great outdoors. However, walking or cycling during the cold season will help to keep energy levels high and therefore reduce the chances of feeling down in the dumps.

“Surveys show that physically active people feel happier and more satisfied with life [1], so for anyone looking for an opportunity to enjoy a little exercise in the fresh air and meet new people at the same time, the Winter Woolly Hats event will help brighten up the day.”

Tracey Barter, Physical Activity Specialist for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “Apart from being fun, a gentle walk or cycle ride can help to make great strides towards improving general health and well-being, such as a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and body fat as well as helping to lower blood pressure.

“The walk and cycle ride on the stunning Camel Trail is free and open to everyone, particularly those who do little exercise or are recovering from ill-health. The pace is geared towards an individual’s ability so we welcome anybody to join us for the day. There will even be a bonus prize for the walker or cyclist who wears the wackiest woolly hat so we’re encouraging everyone taking part to get inventive.”

The Winter Woolly Hats walk and cycle ride will start at 11.30am in Wadebridge outside Bridge Bike Hire where there will be discounted bike hire on the day. Anyone taking part is welcome to bring a packed lunch and refreshments for the trip.

For more information about the walk and cycle ride, or to arrange bike hire, please phone Tracey Barter on 01209 310062. To find out more about Mobilise! visit www.mobilise-cornwall.org.uk.