Frequently Asked Questions

Formerly known as Ramblers Walking for Health, the recent relaunch means the name of this national charity has changed to Ramblers Wellbeing Walks. This name change shifts the focus from being solely on the physical health benefits to the mental health and social benefits of walking. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks state that being active can reduce your risk of getting serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes, by 20-50%. Other benefits of being active include improved self-esteem, mood, and sleep quality, and reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, those who exercise regularly are up to 30% less likely to become depressed.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks have a goal – for everyone to have access to a friendly short group walk, within easy reach of where they live, to help them become and stay active.

• All walks are accessible, open and welcoming to all
• Walks are held over easy terrain and accessible to different abilities
• All walks are promoted on the national website and local channels
• There is at least one short walk per week (10-30mins in length) starting from the same place
• The maximum length of walk should be 90 minutes Walks are regular – ideally weekly Walks are local – easily accessible by foot or local public transport

The Ramblers Wellbeing Walks rebrand will only effect OneLife Suffolk’s clients in the way that they book onto our current walks.

We recommend that you register for a walk beforehand, however you can register your details with our Wellbeing Walk volunteers at the start of your walk.

Yes, you will need to register at the beginning of the walk with the walk leader if you have registered before.

As part of the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks rebrand, they are using a new data base in which details from previously registered walkers will not be moved across to the new system. All walkers, regardless of whether they have been on one of OneLife Suffolk’s walks previously, will need to register for our Wellbeing Walks.

There are various ways you can register:

• Complete an online registration form
• Register at the start of your walk with your Wellbeing Walk Leader
• Call 01473 718193 where OneLife Suffolk’s client services team can get you booked on

If you are unable to/do not have access to the internet, you can register your details with one of our Wellbeing Walk Leads when you attend your walk as they will have paper copies of the registration form.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks is a national initiative that aims to encourage people to walk regularly. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are committed to helping people who are new to walking, who are inactive or experiencing health problems, and/or experience inequalities.

To find out more about becoming a Wellbeing Walks volunteer and to sign up contact the ramblers by emailing them via WellbeingWalks@onelifesuffolk.co.uk

Our walks are inclusive of all abilities. All walks will have a person at the back of the walk to ensure that no one is left behind and where possible, we also have buddies to support people if required.

On occasions, the weather can make it too dangerous for the walk to take place. If this happens, the website will be updated with this information, or alternatively, you can call us on 01473 718193 or email us at WellbeingWalks@onelifesuffolk.co.uk

There are some walks that are not suitable for dogs, and this will be noted in the walk details for that specific walk. Assistance dogs are welcome on all walks, but please note that the Grade 5 walks may have stiles that require climbing over. Please ensure you check the walk details. If you are still unsure, please contact us WellbeingWalks@onelifesuffolk.co.uk

Our Wellbeing Walks are FREE!

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Wellbeing Walk Leaders are not required to be first aid trained, but they do carry phones in case of emergency and a small basic first aid kit for minor incidents

Yes, if you are now starting to get more active. However, we would recommend contacting your GP before you start increasing your levels of physical activity.

For a short walk, over easy terrain with OneLife Suffolk, you won’t need any special clothing or equipment. But to stay comfortable and enjoy yourself we recommend the following:

• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, comfortable shoes or trainers.
• Several thin layers of clothing are better than one thick layer. You can take off layers as you warm up or add them if you get cold.
• Take a good jacket unless you’re sure it’s not going to rain – it’s easier than an umbrella.
• Wear a hat: it keeps you warm in winter and protects you from the sun in summer.
• Wear gloves if it’s cold – it’s difficult to walk briskly with hands in pockets.
• Wear sun cream if you’re going to be outdoors for any length of time.
• Take a small bottle of water with you.
• A small backpack is more comfortable to walk with than an ordinary bag, but be sure to wear it properly with the straps adjusted to fit your body snugly.

Our trained Wellbeing Walk Leaders. Every leader has attended an accredited training programme by the Ramblers to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a safe, healthy walk. 

They are there to make sure that the group stays together as well as to help organise walks in the future.

Yes, everyone is welcome on our Wellbeing Walks!