Barrhead First Steps meets at the Barrhead Foundry every Friday at 9.30am. It is lead by a local lady, Gayle Meechan, who has been supported with training to become a walk leader by East Renfrewshire’s health improvement team.

The strolls have been set up to reduce social isolation and encourage the Barrhead community to come together and celebrate a summer of walking. The group is for families of all ages with any level of fitness. And the routes selected are fun and interesting.

Currently the walk is leaves from The Foundry and walks down and around the Water Works site.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire convener for social work and health said: “We are encouraging parents, grandparents, carers and children to come along and join this walking group on a Friday morning. Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. It’s ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to be more active.” Gayle Meechan from Barrhead, who is leading the Friday morning walk said: “Walking is free and kids love it. It’s a great activity for the whole family and gives you time out to spend with your children. Everyone leads a busy life, but because this walk is in our diary every Friday it makes us come along and spend time with our families.” Joining a local walking group is just one way locals can ‘Think Green’ and contribute towards creating a greener East Renfrewshire.

The Barrhead First Steps walkers meet at the entrance to Barrhead Foundry at 9.30am every Friday. The walk takes up to one hour at a moderate pace. If you’d like to find out more about how you can join a walking group in East Renfrewshire please contact HITeam@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or 0141 577 8436.