A NEW health walks booklet has been launched by Oxfordshire County Council - after the number of schemes in the county more than doubled in just three years.

The Directory of Health Walks Schemes in Oxfordshire lists contact details for the organisers of walks in 24 places across the county - compared to ten schemes when the first Directory was launched three years ago.

Health Walks - described as purposeful, brisk walks undertaken on a regular basis - are free and are a popular introduction to keeping fit for anyone in need of regular exercise. Usually about one or two miles long, they also provide an opportunity to meet people.

Health Walks are organised in Abingdon, Banbury, Begbroke, Benson, Bicester, Botley, Carterton, Didcot, Faringdon, Goring, Henley, Hook Norton, Kennington, Kidlington, Kings Sutton, Milton-under-Wychwood, Oxford (Blackbird Leys, Botley Road and Summertown), Sonning Common, Thame, Wantage & Grove, Witney, Woodstock.

Brian Conroy, a community development worker with Oxfordshire County Council, responsible for developing the Health Walks initiative across the county said: "Health Walks have mushroomed across the county, so we have had to do a new booklet, but I'm not surprised. Walking is fantastic exercise and the Health Walks are a great way to make new friends."

For a copy of the Directory of Health Walks Schemes in Oxfordshire, call Brian Conroy, on 01993 704007 or email brian.conroy@oxfordshire.gov.uk