BEING fit and active is an ambition held by most people. However, the process of getting fit is often regarded as a painful and unpleasant experience. Visits to the gym torment muscles that have not been used for a long time.
Alternatively, jogging along local pavements seems to do no favours to aching hips, knees and ankles.
So, often, the battle to regain fitness is lost not long after the opening shots of the campaign have been fired. However, an easier route to fitness exists: Walking, or as some call it, rambling.
Little equipment or preparation is needed in the early stages of a walker’s career, apart from a good pair of shoes and some route planning around a local park, or along the Millennium Coastal Path. Fitness levels rise and so will the yearning for adventure and good company. Both needs can be satisfied by joining a local walking group.
Llanelli Ramblers was formed in 1984 and has over 300 members. Both the winter and summer programmes have walks to suit people of all ages and fitness levels. Mondays are for local walks to suit people who are over 60 years of age and only wish to complete three or four mile outings. Local buses are sometimes used to explore areas around Llanelli and all walks end with a pleasant lunch at a local pub or restaurant. Wednesday walks are a little more adventurous and tend to be between five or six miles in length. Routes can be anywhere within an hour’s travelling of Llanelli and transport is provided by members sharing cars.
Hardened veterans enjoy the challenge of the Saturday and Sunday walks which range between 8 – 12 miles. Routes can take in the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or the Rhondda Valleys. All walks are thoroughly planned and supervised by the walk leader. Both the Wednesday and weekend walks end with a visit to a local pub where walkers have a chance to relax and catch up with friends or plan future outings. The summer programme includes 3 – 4 mile walks held on Thursday evenings. These provide an opportunity for families and working parents to get outdoors during the school week.
Llanelli Ramblers also offers a varied programme of social events. This includes a monthly get -together between September and April. The social programme has included activities such as darts, skittles, illustrated talks and quizzes. There is also a Christmas lunch, annual dinner, visits and walking holidays both at home and abroad.
Safety is a key feature of all Llanelli Ramblers’ walks and the following equipment is considered essential: a good pair of walking boots, a small rucksack, waterproof jacket, warm fleece, hat, gloves, food and a warm drink.
If you think that Llanelli Ramblers is for you, why not pop along for two or three walks before deciding whether you will join the Ramblers Association. Simply go to www.llanelliramblers.org.uk choose a suitable walk and turn up at Llanelli Leisure Centre at the time shown.
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