"We are constantly told that we must walk more for the good of our health; well I walk not because I am concerned for my health but because I like walking and I have a dog, yes I have to walk.

I heard through a friend that Age Concern Montgomeryshire had a section called Walking the Way to Health, as it sounded just something I might like I thought a little investigation would be interesting and so I joined in one of their two walks, only about an hours walk around the castle at Welshpool.

It was a good walk I found not only interesting but I met some interesting people, all that might be called elderly but certainly not old. The walk was well organised with a walk leader at the front leading the way and one at the rear making sure any slower walkers were not left for them to feel forgotten.

I was to learn that these walk leaders had special training to ensure that all walkers carried out the walk in comparative safety and that enjoyment was the main theme.

These leaders, all volunteers had themselves been trained and carried out First Aid training under the Red Cross, thus carrying first aid equipment, whistles and communication aids -very impressive.

I was so impressed with the enjoyment of it all I thought maybe I could become like them a volunteer and become a Walk Leader having mentioned this I soon found myself on a one day training course at the end of which I received, with pride, my Walk Leaders certificate.

So now I am a leader, enjoying my walks but at the same time helping others to enjoy the walks in Newtown and Welshpool."

Written by Jim Lawson.