UniSPORT has been running the Healthy Walks Scheme for over 3 years now, hosting regular guided walks most Sunday mornings throughout the year. Lead by a band of loyal and hardworking fully trained volunteer walk guides, they will ensure you get the most out of each walk you do.

The walks are open to all - students, staff, family members as well as members of the local community. These local walks cover the wide ranging beautiful countryside that Guildford and the surrounding area has to offer. We even put on evening walks throughout summer starting from the Varsity centre on the Manor Farm site, and Sally takes regular lunch time walks around campus using her Nordic Pole Walking equipment.

The walks are a great way to experience the other side of what Guildford has to offer, away from the town centre and university campus and out into the wonderful green hills and countryside which are literaly a hop, skip and a jump away.

The walks are graded from 1-3, with 1 being for our short walks mainly over flat terrain, such as the River Wey and campus based walks. These are open to all ages and abilities with as much accessibility as possible. Grade 3 walks are for those looking for something a bit more challenging in terms of length and prolonged steepness of terrain, such as the local hills of St. Martha and Chinhurst.

WHY WALKING IS GREAT

1. It can make you healthier

When regular walking is part of your daily routine it has been shown to reduce the risk of all these diseases:

• Coronary Heart Disease
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Bowel Cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Alzheimer's Disease

2. It can make you happier

Walking is a great way to unwind during or after a busy day. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce stress levels and help you unwind. Walking also helps you prepare for the day, boosting energy levels and giving you time to think about your tasks ahead of you.

3. Weight Loss

If you are trying to reduce or control your weight, then walking is a great way to increase your energy expenditure for the day and help burn off some of the food you may have consumed at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Walk with us 

We offer walks throughout the year most Sunday mornings (also look out for our Summer mid week walks and Tuesday lunchtime campus walks) which are open to everyone and are completely free to attend. Just look below for the most up to date list of walks that are happening and just turn up. You can also be added to our database where you will receive regular updates and a weekly reminder on the walk ahead. Contact gavin This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.

Become a Walk Leader

We are always looking for new volunteers to lead our walks on Sundays. To become a walk leader all you need is to attend an official half day walk leaders training session (organised by the national Walking for Health Scheme), commit to at least 1 walk every 6 - 8 weeks, and be ready to meet new walkers. Contact gavin This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.

Diary of Future Walks

MEETING LOCATIONS

Blue Sky Consultancy

For walks that head into the Chantries Woods this start location is the most commonly used. In the centre of Shalford just opposite the Seahorse Pub.

The Old Malt House
33 The Street
Shalford
Guildford
Surrey
GU4 8BU

For a map:

http://www.blue-sky.co.uk/contact.html

Parrot Inn

For the popular Chinthurst Hill walk this lovely pub in the heart of Shalford (0.4miles from the train station) is the start location.

Broadford Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8DW

For a map:

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=499780&y=146798&z=0&ar=Y

http://www.parrotinn.co.uk/index.html

Millbrook Car Park

This is a public car park, but do bring change if you are driving to this start location as it is pay and display, is just out of the town centre on the Millbrook Road towards Shalford.

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Alan Turing Statue

This on campus meeting location is in the main piazza of the university outside the Faculty of Management and Austin Pearce Buildings and the main car park.

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/GATEWAY/VISITORS/CAMPUSMAP.PDF

Fort Road

Very near the Millbrook car park, park at the top of Fort Road as it meets Pewley Down.

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

College of Law

Using the Guildford College of Law administration car park at the bottom of Chestnut Avenue.

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Varsity Centre

Over at the University Manor Park site, the Varsity Centre is the outdoor sports centre with bar and restuarant.

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Percy Arms

75 Dorking Road

Chilworth

GU4 8NP

For a map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl