RESIDENTS are being urged to brave the cold to keep healthy this winter.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be organising 23 health walks held every week at locations all around the borough and suitable for all fitness levels, from beginner to more experienced walkers.

Led by a trained walk leader, the health walks are free to take part in and are a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and meet friendly fellow residents.

So far, between 12 and 56 walkers turn up for each walk, totalling approximately 1,000 walkers a month.

The council’s programme is part of the national Walking for Health initiative, a partnership between the Ramblers’ Association and Macmillan Cancer Care to encourage physical activity for everyone, improving mental health and wellbeing at the same time.

Due to popular demand, the Wednesday evening walk has been extended into a programme of winter wonderland walks.

These walks start at 7pm from different locations within the town centre area. The last walk is on Wednesday, 19 December and leaves the Ridgeway Centre, Buckskin, finishing with mince pies and a hot drink.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Councillor Simon Bound said: “Walking has many benefits. In addition to being enjoyable and a great opportunity to make friends, it helps people get fit, lose weight and boosts mental wellbeing.

“Everybody is welcome to join in the walks, which are held at various times of the day and evening across the borough. Why not give it a go this winter - explore the outdoors and feel great.”

The health walks are also held in Eastrop, Basing Wood, Popley, Kempshott, Brighton Hill, Baughurst, Buckskin, Tadley, Oakley, Overton, Whitchurch and East Woodhay.

For full details on the health walks visit the council’s website by visiting basingstoke.gov.uk/healthwalks.