THE Big Fit Walk in Musselburgh has been hailed a big success by organisers.

More than 50 participants got the chance to choose from three levels of group walks and take part in a Nordic walking taster session.

The recent initiative – the fourth Paths for All Big Fit Walk – was organised by Ageing Well and CHANGES Community Health Project.

The 53 walkers were accompanied by 21 volunteers, who led the walks and helped organise and support the event, which was based at Musselburgh East Community Centre.

Parvine Woodger, Ageing Well co-ordinator, said: “This venue was chosen because it is close to the lagoons in Musselburgh, which is ideal for traffic-free walking, and had various routes that could be adapted to suit all levels of ability.”

She added: “Some funding had also been secured from East Lothian’s Walking Festival, which was running in the same week the Big Fit Walk took place.

“This funding enabled us to support the Big Fit Walk by providing the refreshments for everyone returning after the walks.

'A real community feel'

“The event had a real community feel to it, with refreshments provided by Tesco and Co-op, so that everyone could get a well-earned cup of tea/coffee after returning from routes round the lagoons and surrounding areas.”

The walkers chose from a gold walk of 60 minutes, a silver walk lasting 45 minutes or a bronze walk of 30 minutes. Participants were presented with a certificate of achievement on their return.

Parvine said: “With this only being our second big event after the Covid pandemic, we were delighted by the turnout and the feedback from everyone involved. We were also lucky with the weather, which helped with the turnout and everyone’s enjoyment of the walks.”

She stressed: “The event could not have been run without the support and enthusiasm of the volunteers.”

To find out more about walking groups in East Lothian, call Parvine on 07718 117585 or email pwoodger@eastlothian.gov.uk