Move County Durham

* BEAMISH EVENING WALK **

A little reminder that our Beamish evening walk takes place this Tuesday 16th June at 6.30pm at Beamish Museum. We will walk for up to 90 minutes, covering 3 to 3.5 miles over various terrains, led by our brilliant walk leaders.

The meeting point is the first car park on the right as you enter the museum grounds.
Dogs are allowed but on a short lead at all times.
Please bring your Thrive Card along. If you don't have one you can pick up a free Move Activities Membership from and DCC Leisure Centre where you will be issued with a card.
For further information, please contact: [email protected] or tel 03000 262539

Did you know we have three Walking Netball sessions in the South West? 🏐🚶‍♀️
📍 Shildon Leisure Centre

Tuesdays: 18:00 – 19:00
Wednesdays: 11:30 – 12:30 (starting again 1st July)

📍 Teesdale Leisure Centre

Thursdays: 17:30 – 18:30

No experience is needed – you don’t even need to know the rules! It’s all about having a bit of fun, a wiggle, and a giggle 😊
We don’t play full matches for the whole hour either – instead, we enjoy a variety of passing and shooting games in a relaxed, welcoming environment. You’ll be made to feel right at home!
✨ And even better – sessions will be FREE in July for new participants!
If you’d like more information, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 0300 026 2539
Come and join the fun! 🎉

Last Friday afternoon saw a fantastic turnout for our picnic walk. The group enjoyed a lovely walk together before relaxing with a light picnic in what thankfully turned out to be beautiful weather.

The afternoon was made even more special as we celebrated our walk leader, Peter, who has now led an incredible 150 walks for the group. Thank you, Peter, for your dedication and enthusiasm over the years!

If you are looking to get out and start your walking journey then why not pop along to our newest Gentle Steps session at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens

Gentle steps is a short based walk on flat terrain and ideal for anyone who struggles to walk long distances. The session is all about building confidence whilst giving you a chance to meet new people in a beautiful setting.

Our Ushaw session is every Monday at 1pm-2pm. Meeting at the main reception.

🚶 Looking to get active outdoors during Festival Week?

Join us on Tuesday 14 July for one of two walking opportunities designed to help you move more, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others.

🚶 The Big Walk
🕥 10:30am–12:00pm
📍 Riverside Leisure Complex, Chester-le-Street

Following the success of last year's event, The Big Walk returns as part of Festival Week. Starting and finishing at Riverside Leisure Complex, participants will enjoy a 90-minute circular walk through local parkland before returning to a lively street band performance as part of Durham Brass Festival.

It's a great opportunity to be active, meet new people and experience a unique combination of walking, community and live music.

👣 Gentle Steps
🕐 1:00pm–2:30pm
📍 Riverside Leisure Complex, Chester-le-Street

Looking for something a little gentler? Our Gentle Steps session offers a relaxed and welcoming walk on the Riverside track, providing a great way to enjoy the benefits of being active outdoors at a comfortable pace.

Booking information

If you don't already have a Durham County Council events account, you'll need to register first:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/User/Register

🎟️ Book The Big Walk:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/Home/Details/3656?eventDate=14-07-2026%2000%3A00

🎟️ Book Gentle Steps:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/Home/Details/3657?eventDate=14-07-2026%2000%3A00

Apologies that the following Gentle Exercise classes are cancelled this Thursday.
Burnopfield Church Hall 2 till 3
St Patricks Church Hall Consett 4 till 5

🚶‍♂️⚽🏏🏐 Ever thought about giving walking sports a go?

Join us for the We Move Together Walking Sports Festival on Monday 13 July at Riverside Leisure Complex, Chester-le-Street.

Delivered in partnership with Durham County FA, Durham Cricket Foundation and England Netball North East, this free outdoor festival offers the opportunity to try a range of fun and inclusive walking sports in a friendly and supportive environment.

Suitable for a range of abilities, it's a great way to enjoy being active outdoors, meet new people and discover new ways to move more.

📅 Monday 13 July
🕥 10:30am–1:30pm
📍 Riverside Leisure Complex, Chester-le-Street

Booking is essential.

If you don't already have a Durham County Council events account, you'll need to register first:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/User/Register

🎟️ Book your place:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/Home/Details/3753?eventDate=13-07-2026%2000%3A00

Don't forget that we have 2 wellbeing walks that take place from Abbey Leisure Centre

Mondays at 10:30am till 11:30am & Thursdays at 6pm till 7:30pm

Why not pop along to and join us.

🛟 Drowning Prevention Week - Know the Water Safety Code 🛟

Today marks the beginning of Drowning Prevention Week, and we're encouraging everyone to learn the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Water Safety Code.

Whether you're visiting the beach, a lake, river or swimming pool this summer, these simple steps could help save a life:

🧠 Stop and Think
Take a moment to look for potential dangers and make safe choices before entering the water.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Stay Together
Always stay close to friends and family around water. Never swim alone.

📞 Call 999 in an Emergency
If someone is in trouble, call 999 immediately. If you're at the coast, ask for the Coastguard.

💙 Float if You Get into Trouble
If you find yourself struggling in the water, float on your back, keep calm and control your breathing until help arrives or you can swim to safety.

By learning and sharing the Water Safety Code, we can all help prevent drowning and enjoy the water safely this summer.

🎯🏐 Move, Mingle & Sports 🏐🎯

Have you heard about our new Move, Mingle & Sports session at Abbey Leisure Centre

Join us every Wednesday at 1:30pm for a fun, friendly, and completely free session. It's a great opportunity to get active, meet new people, and try something new.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be learning and playing Indoor Kurling and Boccia. Whether you're a complete beginner or have played before, everyone is welcome to come along and give it a go!

Why not pop along and join the fun? We look forward to seeing you there!