36 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
GET OUTSIDE WITH THE ACTIVE WAY
G
et ready for a dose of outdoor fun! If you're looking for ways to get more active outdoors, look no further than The Active Way – we are offering FREE cycling, wheeling and walking activities across the Somer Valley. We are based at Hope House Surgery every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we offer pop-up activities in Unit 14, Midsomer Norton, on Tuesdays. We are here to help you boost your health and well-being through active travel. Whether you're looking to try something new, want support to get more physically active, need access to bikes and local walking trails, or just fancy meeting new people while enjoying the great outdoors – we've got something for you! You can pop into Hope House any week, come along to a pop-up in Unit 14 or visit our website to join in at www.theactivewaybathnes.co.uk The Active Way has teamed up with several well-established providers to bring you free personalised 1-2-1 and group cycling and walking activities: Snap & Stroll is a creative well-being group that strolls around the Somer Valley, snapping photos along the way. Each week, the group sets off from different locations and supports each other whilst enjoying the creativity that photographing our amazing local wildlife, heritage spots, and countryside brings. You can be creative or a complete beginner, come along and join us. We also hope to create new Snap and Stroll groups; if you are creative and want to learn more about what it takes to lead a creative walking group, please get in touch. Sustrans runs a friendly 10-week walking and cycling programme, Active Steps, to boost your confidence and activity levels. They set off from Tom Huyton Park and can provide you with a bike or E-bike. They explore different routes and spots
each week and aim to give you the confidence to travel actively beyond the programme. All Cycles Bath & West offer inclusive and accessible cycling for adults and young people of all ages with health, learning, physical and social needs - their accessible equipment and expertise enable wheelchair users to access cycling, ensuring everyone can discover the fun of cycling. Sessions run from Tom Huyton Park, and they welcome carers, family, or friends to attend and join in, too. The Council’s Bikeability team supports you in increasing your cycling ability and confidence through 1-2-1 adult or family cycle training. Whether you're new to cycling or are returning after a long period, the team will tailor the training to your needs, giving you the choice to cycle off-road or on our cycling network. Supporting Family Change provide personal 1-2-1 or small group Walk and Talk sessions. These supportive sessions are centred around your needs and physical abilities. Whether you can walk unsupported or use a wheelchair or a stick or frame, these walks are an opportunity for everyone. Walk and Talk sessions allow you to chat with a member of the Supporting Family Change team or fellow walkers and are great for anyone experiencing low confidence or struggling with daily life and feelings of isolation.