Walking
There are so many benefits of walking. It improves your wellbeing, gets you out in nature, and it's completely free. All you have to do is put some footwear on, get outside and take that first step.
Walking is a great way to explore where you live, discover new places and connect with others. Whether it's a short stroll to the shops or school, a wander through the woods, or just getting out on your lunch break, Doncaster has plenty of beautiful walks on offer.
Walking calendar
Take a look at our walking calendar to view what community-led local walks are taking place each month.
If you have one to add to this growing list, contact us.
Where to walk
A lot of Doncaster is rural and we've got plenty of areas with attractive landscapes and features, including limestone gorges, country parks and lowland moorland as well as a number of nationally important historic parks and gardens. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out some of these suggestions:
- Public rights of way
- The Trans Pennine Trail
- Doncaster Ramblers local walks
- Doncaster Ramblers map of walking routes
The British Heart Foundation have published a helpful list of free walking apps to plan your own route too.
Of course, you don't need to plan ahead, you can simply explore your local area from your doorstep and see what you can find - you might be surprised!
Join a walking group
There are a number of groups who get together to walk in and around Doncaster. Many people join walking groups not only to be active, but to make new friends along the way. There are walks and groups suited to all ages and ability.
Here are just a few Doncaster groups to get you started on your journey:
Doncaster Outsiders Walking Club
Doncaster Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
Weekend Wanderers in Doncaster
You can find information about community group led walks on our dedicated webpage, which lists when and where walks across Doncaster are scheduled to take place: Community group led walks - walking calendar
Walk Leader training
Community walks are reliant on residents volunteering to lead walks and Get Doncaster Moving are here to help residents to either set up or join existing walks as a leader. Being a Walk Leader can be rewarding, fun, and a great opportunity to meet people and socialise!
If you are interested in becoming a Walk Leader, there is plenty of support available. There's two types of training available, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Walk Leader Training (training to become able to lead Ramblers Wellbeing Walks) and Community Walk Leader Training (training to become able to lead walks for community organisations). There is also a fantastic network of Walk Leaders keen to welcome, help and support new Leaders.
Option 1: Full Walk Leader training to become able to lead Ramblers Wellbeing Walks (new name for Walking for Health Health Walks). This training consists of:
- Wellbeing Walks Induction (document to read at your own convenience)
- Walk Leadership Foundations (90 min online course at your own convenience)
- Walk Leadership for Wellbeing Walks (3 hour course face to face with practical) in Bentley
Dates and times:
- Wednesday 27th March 9am-12pm at Bentley Resource Centre, High Street, Bentley, DN5 0AA
- Monday 20th May 1pm-4pm at Bentley Resource Centre, High Street, Bentley, DN5 0AA
- Friday 2nd August 9am-12pm at Bentley Resource Centre, High Street, Bentley, DN5 0AA
- Thursday 19th September 1pm-4pm at Bentley Resource Centre, High Street, Bentley, DN5 0AA
Option 2: a shorter Walk Leader training to be able to lead community walks. This is aimed at those who would not be leading Ramblers Wellbeing Walks but would be leading walks for organisations with Public Liability Insurance. This training consists of:
- 1 hour Walk Leader training via Teams
Dates and times:
- Monday 19th February 12pm-1pm online via MS Teams
- Monday 10th June 5pm-6pm online via MS Teams
- Thursday 25th July 11am-12pm online via MS Teams
- Friday 18th October 1pm-2pm online via MS Teams
If you would like more information or to book a place please contact Marianne Turner on marianne.turner@doncaster.gov.uk, 07971 395978 or 01302 734484.
Leave only footprints and take only memories
Please respect our green spaces and local streets by picking up after yourself and your pets.
If you would like more information about community litter picking groups and how the Council works with communities to keep the borough clean and tidy, visit the This is My Doncaster page on the Doncaster Council website.
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