MANY Echo readers have probably made a resolution that 2011 is the year to get fitter and healthier.

If so, then the wide range of local health walks in the North- East, organised with support from Natural England’s Walking for Health initiative, are the ideal easy and cheap way to become more physically active, enjoy the great outdoors and have a sociable time this new year.

Taking part in one of the many health walks helps people get walking in their own local area and provides a sociable, safe and simple way for people to improve their fitness, and it’s perfect for people who may normally take little exercise.

Described by health experts as “almost perfect exercise”, walking requires no equipment or expense and is the ideal way for most people to become more active.

More than a million people have already taken up regular exercise thanks to the Walking for Health programme.

The health walks are organised by people who know their local area and provide an easy way of taking regular exercise, getting outdoors and enjoying the local countryside.

As well as improving physical wellbeing, walkers make new friends and enjoy the social side of the activities too. It’s the largest network of health walk schemes in England, offering regular short walks over easy terrain with trained walk leaders and most of the walks are free.

There is plenty of evidence of the benefits of energetic walking. People who exercise regularly enjoy greater life expectancy, with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type II diabetes and osteoporosis.

So, if you want to put your best foot forward in 2011 then find out more about the North-East’s various health walks at wfh.naturalengland.org.uk or call 0300-060-0941 Martin Shaw, Natural England North-East.