Staffordshire County Council has launched a new active travel scheme to encourage more people to get into walking and cycling in Newcastle-under-Lyme.  

Funded by Active Travel England, the Inspiring New Travel Options (INTO) initiative aims to get adults into active travel to improve their health and wellbeing. 

The scheme aims to support adults living with long-term and life limiting health conditions, poor mental health and learning disabilities to get involved in walking and cycling programmes to improve their physical and mental health.  

The INTO team host a variety of free and fun activities to improve health and wellbeing for adults across the district.  

Activities include coach-led walks, bike rides, training and one-to-one sessions at popular beauty spots in Knutton, Cross Heath, Silverdale, Parkside, Town and Holditch. 

One-to-one walking and cycling sessions are available to adults living with long-term health conditions and each tailored to different levels of physical ability to suit each participant. 

Free group sessions are also available to all adults who are over 18 in the district.  

David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council said: “The INTO scheme is a fantastic initiative to support adults across Newcastle to boost their health and wellbeing. 

“We already know keeping active is important for our physical health, but it’s also vital for mental health. I’m pleased to see the team already making an impact, getting people outdoors and improving the daily lives of people across the borough.” 

As part of the launch, INTO is hosting a 12-week ‘Walk into Winter’ programme, to help people improve their physical health, get active and boost their steps over the next few months.

The programme is open to all adults in Newcastle-under-Lyme and will take place at Apedale Country Park, every Friday morning at 10am starting on October 6 and will run until December 22.