A new health walk has been launched along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to help people to maintain and improve their health.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority in partnership with the Canal and River Trust and Natural Resources Wales have developed a linear way marked route, running from Brecon Canal Basin to Brynich lock, that can be used to help improve the health and well-being of local residents.
Officially opened today by the Minister for the Environment, Hannah Blythyn, ‘The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – Step by Step’ is approximately a two mile route along the canal’s tow path. Way markers along the path indicate to walkers the specific stages where they are on the walk and are linked to a map of the route that doctors will hand out to patients.
The map provides detailed information regarding distances and time, and as patients become fitter and healthier they will be encouraged to walk to further stages. The beneficial scheme allows the National Park to be used to assist health services and help residents to enjoy the protected landscape.
Children can also follow the route and a treasure hunt styled leaflet has been produced to keep them engaged and entertained.
Hannah Blythyn, Minister for the Environment said;
“I’m pleased to visit Brecon to launch Step by Step during National Parks Week. The project demonstrates the wider role our Park Authorities can play in our daily lives.
Today I announced that I will be reinstating the National Park Authorities’ budgets for the next two years, which shows our commitment to them. I also published my priorities for our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
I want more people to feel they have a stake in these nationally important landscapes. Step By Step is a fine example of how our national parks are not just fantastic landscapes, they’re also great for our overall health and well-being.”
The Minister was also introduced to a community water refill scheme that is being led by Bannau Brycheiniog Tourism to reduce plastic waste and create a network of refill stations in and around the National Park.
Sarah Coakham, Partnerships Officer for Natural Recourses Wales said;
“NRW are very happy to support this exciting project and to see it being launched today. Our beautiful natural environment in Wales is to be treasured and we know that walking outside can really boost people’s health and wellbeing. I am sure that the ‘Step by Step’ project will get many more people out and about and enjoying the The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.”
Julian Atkins, CEO Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority added;
“It is great to have the Minister here today and to show her some of the valuable projects that are ongoing within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. We are consistently working with our partners such as the Canal and River Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog Tourism to deliver the key objectives of the Welsh Government thereby ensuring that the Bannau Brycheiniog will remain valued and resilient in years to come.”
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