Walking

Walking regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to be active and support health and wellbeing - and it's free! Step Ride Thrive has partnered with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to launch a Level 1 Health Walk that takes place every other Thursday, starting at the Avalon Marshes Centre and involving a 45 minute route through Shapwick Heath reserve. The walk is led by SASP volunteers.

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We hosted a special event in February 2026 on Time to Talk Day to launch the new walk - with additional nature connection and creative activities, signposting by charities and the NHS, and blood pressure testing by Somerset Council's Healthy Somerset team. Around 50 people attended the day.

Step Ride Thrive has partnered with Somerset Wildlife Trust to offer nature connection training to walk leaders, community organisations and volunteers across Avalon and Poldens. The aim has been to support people to weave nature-based wellbeing into their lives, communities and any community projects or regular walks they are involved with. Somerset Wildlife Trust use an approach called the Five Pathways to Nature Connection, which includes engaging the senses, experiencing emotions, appreciating beauty, finding meaning, and showing compassion for self, others and nature.

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We organised free walks as part of our Discover Nature fortnight in May 2026, and co-facilitated a special Creative Wellbeing Walk in August 2026 in partnership with Glastonbury Mental Health Network. Further facilitated walks will be held at the Avalon Marshes and in local communities.

We are also developing a series of new maps, including a pilgrimage route that connects villages in the Polden Hills with Glastonbury. 

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You can view a comprehensive list of local walking and cycling routes on the reserves on our Discover Nature page.