Blairgowrie and District Next Steps

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Next Steps Walking Group

All change! The latest constraints mean that only two households can meet up outside. This puts a severe dent in plans!

It will remain impractical for the Wednesday Walks to restart until we can all access a large bus.

As a precursor to restarting I can arrange some refresh navigation and first aid practice sessions. First aid in particular poses some new challenges!

BaDNS provides a range of weekday walking opportunities supervised by fully qualified walk leaders and first aiders, suitable for most abilities.

Easy Walks Moderate Walks Serious Walks

Our programme of walks range from easy low level or town based starter walks up to very serious extended and remote hill walking, and associated activities. They are designed to allow people to develop and progress at their own pace reaching whatever standards they set for themselves. Our programme evolved from the easy and short single walk Stride for Life programme that started in early 2004. As people gained confidence and fitness many found that they needed more challenges. This grew so successful that a full range of walks spread over different days had to be developed. After an initial introduction (on a few Wednesday walks) all participants are welcome (bus seats permitting and subject to the subscription) to take part in whatever walks and activities they are capable of doing.

Running totals for the moderate and advanced walks

May 2005 to date

Walked: 103,600.5km (64,374.3 miles),

Climbed: 3,953,772m (12,971,654ft or 2,456.8 miles),

on 10,492 walk places, of 1024 walks of

10,349.3km with 405.7km of ascent.

2020 to date Advanced Walks

Walked: 397.9km (247.2 miles),

Climbed:16,691m (61,322ft or 11.6 miles),

on 51 walk places, over 8 walks.

2020 to date Mid-Level Walks

Walked: 760.5km (472.6 miles),

Climbed: 28,000m (91,863ft or 17.4 miles,

on 90 walk places, over 8 walks.

Not including more than 40 easy walks with an average of 34 people every year since January 2004 (more than 20,000 walk places over 1,400 walks of average 3.5miles up to December 2019).

Walking is a great way to stay healthy and active. It benefits weight control, blood pressure, cholesterol, helps to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints whilst giving you more energy.

Can you prescribe nature?

"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."

- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Blairgowrie and District Next Steps follows the

Scottish Outdoor Access Code