Wednesday Walks – join us in Lampeter for a walk in the park

As the days grow shorter, and thoughts of hibernation and hiding indoors creep in, the thought of braving the outdoors may be off putting.

However, getting up and getting outdoors can help us to feel better in many ways. It doesn’t need to be a jog or a run, the benefits of a stroll in nature are well known – supporting both our mental and physical wellbeing.

Recognising that taking that first step outdoors, or making time for a stroll, can be something that slips to the bottom of our to-do list, teams from Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are hoping to provide some encouragement through a new scheme – Wednesday Walks.

From 25 October onwards, there is an open invitation for members of the Lampeter community, and those from further afield, to join in a weekly walk in the park at 1pm every Wednesday.

Phil Kloer, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Hywel Dda University Health Board, explains: “Come rain or shine, we’re inviting anyone who would like to join us for a walk in the park to come along at 1pm every Wednesday. Two flat walking routes are planned, one that is 300 meters and another that is about a mile long, anyone joining us can pick the one that suits them best on the day.”

The walk will start and finish at the Lloyd Thomas Refectory, UWTSD Lampeter campus, and everyone who takes part in the walk will be offered a free cup of tea or coffee to warm up at the end.

Phil continues: “This is a great opportunity for members of our local community to join one another for an afternoon walk – whether it be for company, for a bit of exercise, or just to get fresh air – there’s a warm welcome for everyone of all ages and abilities, whatever the weather. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome to join in the fun.

“There is no time limit to complete the walk – if you would like to go for a brisk march or amble along chatting, there is no pressure to keep pace either way. There is no need for any specialist equipment – just make sure you have comfortable shoes, something to ward off the rain and are ready to spend some time in the great outdoors.”

Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Provost of the University’s Lampeter and Carmarthen campuses, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, adds: “We’re extremely pleased to be part of this initiative and hope that some of our students and staff will also take up the opportunity to join in. Earlier this year, the University gained a Green Flag in recognition of how our estates and grounds are managed, and how we look after our green areas in a way that encourages wildlife and the natural environment. We’re delighted that the Wednesday Walks will enable more people to enjoy our gardens and green areas on campus. This should also further strengthen the links between the University and the local community.”

People interested in joining the walk in the park are encouraged to come along to the Lloyd Thomas Refectory, UWTSD Lampeter campus at 1pm on 25 October. For further information, please contact Digwyddiadau-Events@uwtsd.ac.uk or call Hywel Dda University Health Board Communications Hub on 0300 303 8322 and select option 5.