Join Me in Celebrating 21 Years of Health Walks at Westbank

As Project Lead for Westbank’s programme of county wide Health Walks, I’m proud to work alongside Charlotte, our Health Walks Co-ordinator, and Liz, our Health Walks Administrator (and the dedicated leader of our Broadclyst walk). Together, we support a vibrant and growing walking community across Devon.

This September marks the 21st birthday of our Health Walks service—an incredible milestone for a programme that continues to be fully funded by Westbank Community Health and Care.

I’m fundraising for Westbank because the difference we make to people’s lives is truly inspiring. Our walks offer something for everyone—from gentle Grade 1 strolls on even ground, to more challenging Grade 3 adventures of up to 90 minutes. In 2024 alone, nearly 10,000 walkers joined us on walks across the county, with every walk finishing with a chat and a cuppa.

As a keen walker, I’ve taken on some ultra challenges for various charities in the past—though I’m hoping this will be a little easier on the knees than the Jurassic Coastline trek I did a few years ago!

With the help of our programme of organised Health Walks and this personal challenge, we’re aiming to collectively cover over 360 miles throughout the week, the equivalent of the Devon border.

Here’s what my week of walking looks like;

Monday 1st September - Bampton to Thorverton, via Tiverton. 18.5miles
Tuesday 2nd September - Cullompton, via Broadclyst to Exminster - approx. 16miles - unfortunately didn't happen due to injury
Wednesday 3rd September - Starcross to Exminster (the scenic route) - approx. 6.29miles
Thursday 4th September - Eggesford and Bow Approx. 6miles
Friday 5th September - Exeter City Centre to Exminster via Heavitree, Wonford and Countess Wear - Approx. 5.5miles

Two extra walks are scheduled in for September that were missed on Tuesday
Cullompton
Exeter Uni to Exeter Quay via the Canal

Together, we can make a lasting impact—and ensure we’re celebrating many more Health Walk birthdays to come. Thank you so much for being part of this journey!

Every donation—big or small—truly makes a difference. Your support will help us expand our walks, reach more people across Devon, and continue tackling loneliness and isolation through connection and movement.

Let’s walk this journey together. Thank you for being part of it. Debbie Hutchinson