Hertfordshire marked National Walking Month on Monday with a mass health walk, with 430 people taking part across the county.

The Comet: Some members from the Hertfordshire Health Walks group in Charlton.Some members from the Hertfordshire Health Walks group in Charlton. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

There were 23 excursions organised by Hertfordshire Health Walks, including two in Letchworth and a third centred around the former Windmill pub in Charlton, near Hitchin.

The total of 430 people taking part in what was the Herts County Council-run body’s third mass health walk event was some way short of last year’s total of 620, but still a fine effort.

The various walks were graded for difficulty, with Letchworth having ‘first steps’ and grade 2 walks, both starting and ending at the Three Magnets pub in Leys Avenue.

The two-hour walk starting and ending in Charlton was a grade 4 walk, considered ‘moderate plus’.

The Comet: Some members from the two Hertfordshire Health Walks groups in Letchworth.Some members from the two Hertfordshire Health Walks groups in Letchworth. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Herts County Council public health director Jim McManus said: “Well done to everyone who took part in this mass health walk across the county and to those who are getting into their stride on health walks throughout this National Walking Month.

“We want to promote the benefits of walking to get as many people as possible moving, no matter what their level of fitness is.

“Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to be more active, lose weight and become healthier. It helps your stress levels too.

“So we would encourage all residents to dust off their walking boots and get active as much as possible.”

To find out more about Hertfordshire Health Walks’ events, see facebook.com/HertfordshireHealthWalks.