Get active with free calorie maps

Everyone is invited to take steps towards an active lifestyle with five short healthy walks in the Dover District, set out in a free pocket-sized map, which not only charts the way, but counts the calories you could burn on the day.

The new calorie maps include walks around Middle Deal and Sholden, Mill Hill in Deal, Eythorne and Elvington, Aylesham and Eastry. The walk in Middle Deal and Sholden for example is 1.8 miles long with an average 3908 steps, and it is calculated the walk takes 38 minutes and burns 198 calories.

The maps are being made available at locations across the district, including community centres, Council offices, leisure centres and doctors' surgeries, and maps are being sent out to local schools in the wards covered by the walks.

Dover District Council and the Kent Community Health NHS Trust have produced the maps, with funding secured by the South Kent Coast Health and Wellbeing Board from Kent County Council Public Health.

Walking is a free, easy, fun and healthy activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Regular moderate exercise like walking can have major benefits to your health and improve your quality of life. The advice is to start slowly and aim to build up to 10,000 steps a day, to help walk your way to a healthier and happier you. Speak to your doctor before you start any exercise if you have any medical issues.

For more information on where to pick up your free calorie map, call the DDC Communication and Engagement Team on (01304) 872274, or for more information including details of walking groups in your area, see www.kenthealthwalks.nhs.uk.