Buggy walkers putting their best feet forward across Falkirk

The long-established Polmont buggy walk and recently relaunched Helix buggy walk are both part of Step Forth, the award-winning volunteer-led walking programme run by Falkirk Leisure and Culture that has supported local residents since 2003.

Free to attend, the groups require no booking, and are open to parents and carers who might be feeling slightly isolated or are looking for a way to get moving.

At Helix Park, buggy walkers gather every Monday near to the front doors of Falkirk Stadium, with the walk getting under way at 11am.

The Polmont buggy walk sets off on Monday at 11.45am from the Parish Church Community Hall car park, with walkers invited to meet from 11.30am. Both walks last around 45 minutes, and all newcomers are welcome to join in.

Step Forth co-ordinator, Gwen Robertson said: The walks are a great way to bring like minded people together, whether it’s the social connection, mood boost, physical exercise, it’s also great for mental health, these are the themes that come through on the buggy walks.

The average age of the walkers at both the Polmont and Helix site tend to be similar, Gwen said: “On average it’s between 29 and 39, but it can vary and there’s always new faces at the walks.

"It's all positive. There's no negatives about it really. The people that have been going for a while, they've formed strong friendships, good connections, and with the walks mostly supported by volunteers it creates a very positive experience.”

The Polmont buggy walk has been in place for around ten years, however the Helix buggy walk is a redevelopment with lots of potential.

Gwen added: “There used to be a Helix walk, but it kind of fell away, so we wanted to resurrect it. With the park and its surrounding views, we hope people will be encouraged to come along.”

For more information on the buggy walks, visit Step Forth social media page.