Harrow Striders

08/10/2026

Looking for a reason to get moving this October? 🍂

Another Active Monday Walk complete at Wood Farm Nature Reserve, and there’s nothing quite like getting out first thing to set you up for the week ahead. 🌳

If you’ve been thinking about joining a walking group or wondering what difference walking with poles could make, this could be the perfect time to give it a go.

We’ve got Power Poles sessions coming up throughout October on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, where you can learn the technique, try walking with poles and see how they can change your walk.

And it doesn’t stop there. We have walks taking place most days of the week, so there are plenty of opportunities to get outside, get moving and walk with us. 🦯🦯

Find our Power of Pole sessions near you:
walx.co.uk/groups/walx-with-harrow-striders

Or send us a message to [email protected] and we’ll help you get started!

08/10/2026

Over the last six months, we've spoken a lot about frailty, prevention and the importance of staying active as we get older.

But there's another side to ageing that we don't talk about enough... the impact on family members who become carers.

This recent BBC Woman's Hour discussion really hit home for our own Denis, who is currently navigating some of these challenges while supporting his mum.

One listener spoke openly about the stress, exhaustion, frustration and even resentment she sometimes feels caring for a parent in their 90s. The discussion that followed looked at something millions of families are experiencing, including the pressure that can fall on one person to coordinate care, appointments and everyday life.

It's a powerful listen, particularly if you care for someone yourself or know somebody who does.

As we look back at Listener Week, dealing with an elderly parent as a pensioner yourself.

07/10/2026

Looking for a reason to get moving this October? 🍂

Another Active Monday Walk complete at Wood Farm Nature Reserve, and there’s nothing quite like getting out first thing to set you up for the week ahead. 🌳

If you’ve been thinking about joining a walking group or wondering what difference walking with poles could make, this could be the perfect time to give it a go.

We’ve got Power Poles sessions coming up throughout October on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, where you can learn the technique, try walking with poles and see how they can change your walk.

And it doesn’t stop there. We have walks taking place most days of the week, so there are plenty of opportunities to get outside, get moving and walk with us. 🦯🦯

Find our Power of Pole sessions near you:
walx.co.uk/groups/walx-with-harrow-striders

Or send us a message to [email protected] and we’ll help you get started!

06/10/2026

Parks and nature reserves often have more than one entrance, car park or meeting area. 🌳

That's why we include a What3Words location with our walks.

Using just three words, the free app takes you directly to the exact spot where we'll be meeting, making it easier for everyone to arrive confidently and on time.

It's a small thing that makes a big difference, especially if you're joining us for the first time.

Once you've used What3Words, you'll probably find yourself using it for all sorts of places - not just walks! 💜

06/10/2026

The best reward wasn't waiting for us in the pub at the end.

It had been building throughout the day.

✨ The conversations.

✨ The laughter.

✨ The encouragement.

The shared experience of discovering somewhere new together.

That's something we've seen time and again at Harrow Striders.

People often join because they want to become more active, but what keeps them coming back is the community they become part of.

Walking is always better together.

30/09/2026

Forgetting why you walked into a room? 🤔

It happens to most of us.

Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life, especially when you’re busy or stressed.

Staying active, social, and engaged can support your overall wellbeing, including your mind. 🧠✨

You’re probably doing better than you think!

Keep moving, keep living well
harrowstriders.co.uk

29/09/2026

We talk a lot about the benefits of getting outdoors, so a new NHS wellbeing garden opened by Matt Lucas immediately caught our attention.

Matt has been a long-standing supporter of the NHS, raising significant funds for NHS charities and championing the people who work within it. Most recently, he joined Imperial Health Charity to officially open Milne’s Corner, a new wellbeing garden at St Mary’s Hospital.

A previously unused courtyard has been transformed into somewhere staff can step outside, reflect and recharge, with the space also supporting wellbeing sessions and therapeutic activities.

It got us thinking about the importance of spaces like this closer to home.

Here in Stanmore, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust has more than 100 acres of grounds and already has Horatio’s Garden, a dedicated garden supporting spinal injury patients and their loved ones.

Alongside the hospital is RNOH Charity, a separate charity that raises additional funds to enhance patient and staff experiences beyond what NHS funding provides. It is currently fundraising to transform the hospital’s lake and grounds into a more accessible, biodiverse outdoor space.

As walkers, we know the difference spending time outdoors can make. It’s encouraging to see green spaces being recognised as an important part of wellbeing for patients, families and the people caring for them every day.

It’s a conversation worth having across our local community too, including Harrow Council and NHS West and North London. 🌱

https://www.imperialcharity.org.uk/news-and-stories/news/matt-lucas-opens-new-wellbeing-garden-for-trust-staff

Milne’s Corner, the newest Imperial Health Charity garden, has officially opened at St Mary’s Hospital, with the aim of supporting the health and wellbeing of staff across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

28/09/2026

Children pick up more than we realise, especially when it comes to habits. 👶

A lot of people joining our walks across North West London are not just thinking about their own health, but how they stay active around their families.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to build that in. It’s simple, flexible, and with poles, can support balance, posture, and confidence at any level. 🦯🦯

Over time, those small routines start to shape long-term health, not just for adults, but for the people around them too.

The British Heart Foundation highlight how building consistent activity into everyday life supports heart health over time. 🌟

And MyHealth London are helping families understand important factors like blood pressure, and how early awareness can make a difference later on.

We see it often. When one person starts, others follow.

If someone wants to better understand their blood pressure and what it means for their health, they can take this short quiz:
🔗 https://www.myhealthlondon.nhs.uk/register/blood-pressure-quiz-cvd/

24/09/2026

Sometimes getting moving is easier when you’ve got someone alongside you. 👟

This Girl Can has launched its new Move for 10 challenge: 10 minutes of movement, on 10 days in a month, at any time and any pace that works for you.

It could be dancing in the kitchen, playing with the kids, going for a swim or simply heading out for a brisk walk.

We know there’s something particularly nice about making those minutes social. Invite a friend, neighbour or family member, head outside together and use those 10 minutes to move, talk and enjoy some fresh air. 🌳

There’s no perfect routine to follow and no pressure to do more. Start with 10 minutes and see where it takes you.

You can also use This Girl Can’s free online tracker to tick off your 10 days as you go:

https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/movefor10

Who would you take on your 10 minute walk?

23/09/2026

As we left the river behind, the chatter naturally faded.

Heads down. Poles working. 🦯🦯

Everyone settled into their own rhythm as the open fields stretched out towards St Albans.

Walking has a brilliant way of slowing everything right down. No rush, no pressure, and no need to think about the to-do list waiting back home. 🍃

Just one step after another.

Turns out, that is usually more than enough. ✨