As the UK is celebrating National Walking Day on 2nd April 2025 - an annual event that encourages people to be more active and embrace the outdoors - the property owners at Rangeford Villages' lifestyle communities for the over 60s put this sentiment into action.

Across many of Rangeford's integrated retirement villages, which include Wadswick Green in Wiltshire, Siddington Park in Gloucestershire, Mickle Hill in North Yorkshire, Homewood Grove in Surrey and Strawberry Fields in Cambridgeshire, owners embrace an active lifestyle with a large number taking part in regular walking groups.

One such example is Siddington Park. Set on the outskirts of the thriving Roman market town of Cirencester - the capital of the Cotswolds - the village is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that motivated owners to start a walking group shortly after moving in.

Bryony Tully (72), who moved to Siddington Park with her husband Roger in September 2023, recalls: “I've always been an active walker and mountaineer, so I was keen to continue this passion after moving here. Slowly but surely, word of my hikes got around and people expressed an interest in joining.”

Taking place fortnightly on Tuesdays and Thursday's the walking group now attracts up to six participants aged 72 to 91 years of age. To ensure that the group's hikes stay varied and accommodate walkers of all levels, Bryony often goes on exploration walks with her husband Roger to find new routes. She says: “I also record the walking speed, distance and the terrain to determine which paths are suited for which walkers.”

One of the founding members of the group, Chris Jakobsen (76), adds: “I love going for walks. It's a great way to keep fit but also expand one's social circles. Of course, every hike involves a lot of conversations about various topics, and we tend to treat ourselves to a visit to a café or nearby pub. Bearing in mind that only 54 of Siddington Park's 123 apartments are currently occupied, we expect our walking group to grow considerably in the not so distant future.”

Howard Nankivell, CEO of Rangeford Villages, adds: “Our villages have positioned themselves as social communities that embrace an independent and active lifestyle for as long as possible. The implementation of walking groups and other activities are not only crucial but have proven extremely popular and we are delighted to see the positive impact it is making on people's physical and mental health.”

To ensure that future as well as existing residents benefit from a varied lifestyle, new initiatives, events and partnerships are introduced regularly. In 2024, Rangeford Villages teamed up with internationally acclaimed walking, fitness and wellbeing guru Joanna Hall to introduce the innovative WalkActive Method which techniques are scientifically proven to improve posture, joint and heart health whilst strengthening muscles and reducing body fat.

Most recently, the team signed TV personality Dr Dawn Harper as its Health and Wellbeing Ambassador. She plays a vital role in shaping the wellbeing strategy for residents by offering expert insights on healthy ageing, medical awareness, and lifestyle improvements.

Interested in joining the community? To learn more about Rangeford Villages, please visit www.rangefordvillages.co.uk or contact the friendly team on 0800 1357420.

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