Walking Groups for Over 50s: How to Find One Near You

The quickest way to find a walking group for over 50s is to use the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks group finder, which lists free, short walks led by experienced volunteers across England and Wales. Other routes include parkrun, where walkers are welcome at the same free 5k event, your local Age UK, and your local u3a. The Ramblers says its Wellbeing Walks are open and accessible to all.

At a glance

• Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, start from about 10 minutes long, and go at a slow to steady pace.
• parkrun welcomes walkers at its free Saturday morning 5k, with a volunteer tail walker so nobody finishes last.
• The NHS counts brisk walking as moderate activity: you can talk but not sing.
• Check with a GP first if you have not exercised for a while or have a health condition.
• Wear comfortable, supportive footwear and build up distance gradually.

Why is walking good for people over 50?

Walking is free and needs no equipment. The NHS describes it as one of the easiest ways to get more active, and a brisk pace of about 3 miles per hour counts as moderate activity. A short daily walk adds towards the weekly target: 150 minutes of moderate activity for adults aged 65 and over, with balance and strength work on two days.

A group adds company and routine, which helps if motivation drops or confidence has gone after an illness or fall. Our guide to activities for over 60s shows how walking fits with strength, balance and social activity.

What types of walking group are there?

Walking for Health is the former name of the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme, so use the Ramblers finder rather than searching for the older name. Other local schemes exist, such as council or charity-run health walks, and your GP practice’s social prescribing team may know of them.

How do you find a walking group near you?

1. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks: Enter your location or postcode in the group finder. The Ramblers says you do not need to book or plan a route, and you do not need to register to turn up, though you can join for free on its website.
2. parkrun: Register once online and receive a barcode, then turn up at any parkrun event. You can walk all or part of the 5k course.
3. Age UK: Enter your postcode on the Age UK exercise page to find your local Age UK and its classes. The Age UK Advice Line is 0800 678 1602, open 8am to 7pm every day.
4. u3a: Use “Find a u3a” on the u3a website, then ask the local group whether it has a walking interest group.
5. Your GP: Ask about social prescribing, which connects people to local community activities and groups.

For wider options, our guide to social groups for over 50s covers clubs beyond walking.

What should you bring and wear?

• Shoes or trainers that are comfortable and supportive and do not rub or cause blisters. The NHS says specialist walking shoes are only needed for longer or harder routes.
• Layers and waterproofs for the weather, and a hat and sun cream in summer. See heatwaves and older people and supporting an older relative through winter for seasonal advice.
• Water, and a snack if the walk is long. Our guide to dehydration in older people explains why regular drinks matter.
• A charged mobile phone, and details of any medication, allergies or a health condition. Tell the walk leader if you have one.
• A walking pole or stick if you normally use one. parkrun says poles are welcome.

How fast and how far should you walk?

Start with the pace and distance you can manage and build up gradually, as the NHS advises. At moderate effort you can talk but not sing the words of a song. Walks in a group are designed so nobody is left behind: the Ramblers says everyone walks together, and parkrun has a tail walker who is always last through the finish. If you do not finish a parkrun 5k you will not get a time, but there are no cut-off times.

Are walking groups accessible?

The Ramblers says mobility limitations are not an issue on Wellbeing Walks, and wheelchair users can message the organiser to check a route. parkrun allows buggies, welcomes walking poles and suggests contacting the event team in advance with questions about the route. Conditions differ between sites, so ask before you go. For equipment, see mobility aids and wheelchairs, and for getting there, transport support for older people and Blue Badge and Motability concessions.

What about safety, falls and when to check with a GP?

The NHS advises speaking to a GP first if you have not exercised for some time or have medical conditions or concerns. If you have fallen or worry about falling, strength, balance and flexibility exercises can help you feel steadier. Work through falls prevention at home alongside your walking.

• Choose flat, even routes at first, and pick a shorter walk if you are unsure.
• Stop and rest if you feel unwell, dizzy or short of breath, and seek medical advice.
• If you feel less steady or notice sudden confusion, speak to a GP promptly. In an emergency, call 999.

Frequently asked questions

Are there walking groups for beginners and slower walkers?

Yes. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are slow to steady, short and led by volunteers, with no need to register. parkrun also has no cut-off time, so walkers can go at their own pace with a tail walker behind them.

How much walking should I do each week?

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults aged 65 and over, which a brisk walk can provide. Break it into short sessions if needed, and build up gradually if you are not yet active.

Do I have to pay to join a walking group?

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, and parkrun is free to take part. u3a charges a modest annual fee, and other local groups vary. Ask the organiser before you go and check for any costs such as parking.

Can I join a walking group if I use a walking aid?

Often yes. The Ramblers says mobility limits are not an issue on Wellbeing Walks, and parkrun welcomes walking poles. Contact the organiser first so they can tell you about the route and surface.

Should I see a GP before joining a walking group?

Speak to a GP first if you have not exercised for a while, or have a health condition or worry about falling. They can advise on a safe starting point.

Where to get help next

Pair walking with strength and balance work using our activities for over 60s guide and falls prevention advice. If a relative needs support to keep active at home, see helping older people stay independent, and use find care to look for local help.

Sources

• NHS: Walking for health
• NHS: Physical activity guidelines for older adults
• Ramblers: Wellbeing Walks
• Ramblers: Wellbeing Walks group finder
• parkrun UK: parkwalk
• GOV.UK: Macmillan and the Ramblers join forces to get people walking

See also: Age Friendly Communities in the UK: What They Are and How to Check

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.