Northamptonshire Community Foundation Community Hero of the Week
Northamptonshire Walks provides free guided walking sessions across the county, helping people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, improve their wellbeing and connect with others. The group runs around 20 walks each month, welcoming an average of 350 participants and creating a supportive, “family-feel” community.
The walks offer a safe and inclusive way for people to get active, meet new people and explore Northamptonshire’s countryside and heritage. For many, the group has become a vital support network, helping to reduce isolation and improve both mental and physical health. The organisation also shares free online walking guides, making it easy for families and individuals to explore routes independently.
A £2,000 grant from the Constance Travis Endowment Fund for Northamptonshire, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, has supported essential costs including equipment for group leaders, insurance and the running of the website. This funding has enabled Northamptonshire Walks to continue and expand its free offer to the community.
The project has also helped raise the profile of Northamptonshire, encouraging more people to visit and discover its landscapes and history, while building partnerships with local organisations and supporting wider community initiatives.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £24 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.