Everyone can look forward to getting healthy, having some fun and meeting new people by putting their best foot forward during the next Leicestershire Walking Week.

After a successful debut year, the dates for 2010 are confirmed as 4th – 12th September.

Over 1000 people participated in walks during the 2009 ‘Walking Week’ last September. The 79 walks on offer included; strolls for parents with pushchairs, walks for anyone interested in ghosts, history, or pubs, and various country rambles.

Walking Week aims to promote walking as an easy way to get fit and boost well-being, a chance to leave the car behind and help reduce pollution and a great way to explore everything the local area has to offer.

Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, under the Active Together project will be supporting Leicestershire Walking Week with a programme of walks for everyone, available across Leicestershire.

Walks will range from short health walks for beginners to longer country walks and themed walks embracing local culture, cuisine and countryside. All walks will be led by experienced leaders from local groups.

Walking Week showcases Leicestershire’s and Leicester’s beauty and diversity. Leicestershire has over 3,000km of paths, plus parks, waterways and other trails, that are great opportunities for everyone to get out and about.

Andy Reed MP, Chairman for Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, said: “Walking is an excellent form of exercise and a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful Leicestershire countryside with friends and family. Regular walking can bring many benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing and Leicestershire Walking Week will showcase an exciting range of themed walks for all to enjoy.”

Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, added: “Leicestershire is an excellent county for walking – there’s no better way to explore the beautiful countryside, diverse wildlife and historic features in our landscape.”

For more information, please contact Andrew Watson on 01509 564872 or visit www.leics.gov.uk/walkingweek or www.lrsport.org.uk for details of all local ‘Active Together’ activities.