People in Dumbarton and the Vale are being urged to walk their way to fitness and better health.

Organisers of Health Walks West Dunbartonshire are starting a new health walk on Wednesday afternoons in Christie Park and are encouraging people to come along.

The group have been organising health walks for more than four years, and have launched new ways of making it easier for some of those who might benefit the most from taking part, including those recovering from illness.

With the new Wednesday walk starting up, the benefits of taking a stroll have been endorsed by Dr Fiona Wilson at Oakview Medical Practice.

She told the Reporter: "We all know that exercise is good for your health but often we overlook the benefits of just getting out there and walking. 

"We know that regular walking can improve someone's general fitness, but it can also improve blood pressure, reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke, reduce body fat, increase bone strength and muscle power reducing the risk of falls and fractures longer term. 

"Walking is free and can be done at any time, and you don't need anything other than a pair of good fitting shoes.

"Several health walks take place locally, and are organised by West Dunbartonshire CVS staff and volunteers. 

"They are a great opportunity to meet other people and walk with them at whatever pace suits you. 

"With the new health walk to Christie Park, planned to start from the Vale Centre for Health and Care on Wednesday afternoons, it would be great if we saw lots of people coming along to benefit from the exercise, getting out of the house and meeting with other people."

Health Walks can start at 15 minutes for new walkers and last up to an hour, depending on fitness.

They are free and open to anyone that wants to take their first step towards a more active lifestyle.

The new Wednesday afternoon walks will leave from the Vale Centre for Health and Care every Wednesday at 2:30pm.

There are also established walks in Alexandria, Dumbarton, Clydebank and Old Kilpatrick with walks down to Bowling for walkers who are a little bit more active.

For more information, contact project lead Daren Borzynski on 0141 941 0886 or email daren@wdcvs.com for more information.