Throughout September and October Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership, in collaboration with Conwy Mind, have hosted a series of walks offering support for physical and mental health.
The project was made possible through funding from Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales, demonstrating their commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance community wellbeing and promote the use of local transport links.
The walks were tailored to meet the unique needs of different groups within the community, offering participants a chance to connect with nature while improving their overall wellbeing. The three types of walks were:
Men’s Walks: Dedicated to men of all ages, this series encouraged participants to improve their mental and physical health through regular activity, meaningful conversations, and building lasting friendships. It provided a space for men to connect and support each other in a relaxed, natural setting.
Menopause Walks: Specifically designed for women navigating the challenges of menopause, these walks offered a nurturing environment to connect with others on a similar journey. Participants shared experiences, found support, and enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of nature during this important life stage.
Youth Walks: Targeted at young people aged 18-24, the youth walks encouraged participants to step away from screens, engage with the natural environment, and develop healthy habits. The walks provided a fun and inclusive opportunity to make new friends, learn about the environment, and establish a foundation for long-term wellbeing.
Maria Nolan, Get active Coordinator at Conwy Mind said:
“Rails to Trails is an exciting new programme of supported Wellbeing Walks for Conwy residents. This series of group walks offered unique opportunities to explore the local area, connect with nature and find community within.”
Jo Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast said:
“We want to support causes that matter most to communities along our route, so we’re proud to have played a part in helping people in Conwy take care of their physical and mental wellbeing through this valuable project.
“People taking part have been able to connect with others who have a shared experience and enjoy nature in locations that can easily be reached by train – creating a sense of community and making a positive difference to their wellbeing. We hope it will inspire others to make rail journeys to connect with people and places on their doorstep.”
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategic Lead at Transport for Wales said:
“We’re really excited to support the Rails to Trail project. It has been wonderful to see how it has helped people connect and has encouraged them to explore our wonderful communities and the outdoors more. We hope projects like this can continue to create awareness that there are many walks that can be reached by a simple train journey ,for a chance to get some exercise, visit a new area, and improve wellbeing.”
The Rails to Trails project has been a meaningful step in enhancing community wellbeing, and the partnership, alongside Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales, are funding two further programmes – Men’s Basic Navigation and Map Reading Skills Course starting 29th November with monthly walks in December to March and monthly Menopause Wellbeing Walks from December to March.
If you would like more information about these walks or would like to sign-up please contact Conwy Mind 01492 879 907 or e-mail info@conwymind.org.uk
