Walk Bedford!

Come and join the Bedford Walking Group! Our walking group was established in 2005 by the Bedford Parks and Recreation Department and Bedford Adult and Senior Connections.

Objectives

  • Improve your health with exercise.
  • Meet new friends and enjoy the company of other walkers.
  • Enjoy Bedford's wonderful parks, paths, and neighborhoods.

Who participates?

  • Anyone may participate.
  • Fast or slow walkers are welcome.
  • You can be in shape or out of shape and still have fun.

When do we walk?

  • In the warm months we plan outdoor walks. The time of day and frequency is determined by your input. Please help us by hosting a walk in your neighborhood or favorite walking spot. Call Jane at the Parks & Recreation Department, 472-5242, to let her know the day and time you want to host your walk. Parks & Recreation will coordinate and advertise the walks in local newspapers, on their own website, on this website, and in posted fliers.
  • Indoor walking is available year-round at the Bedford Mall, Monday through Saturday beginning at 7:00 am, and Sunday beginning at 10:00 am. Enter at the Staples entrance. See Strides, the mall walking web site, at http://www.bedfordmall.net/1Strides.html for additional information.
  • Indoor walking is also available year-round at the Mall of New Hampshire, Sunday through Saturday beginning at 8:00 am. Enter at the Food Court entrance.

Where can we walk?

  • Benedictine Park on Wallace Road
  • Van Loan Preserve trails
  • Joppa Hill sports fields and walking trails
  • McKelvie School track and cross country course on County Road
  • Heritage Trail along the Merrimack River
  • Pulpit Rock Trail on New Boston Road
  • Legacy Park ski and walking trail
  • Many Bedford neighborhoods
  • Indoors at shopping malls and other locations
  • Wherever you or the group want to walk

Comments and Tips

  • AARP indicates that walking can reduce stress, improve sleep, help reduce or maintain weight, and help prevent heart disease.
  • Start walking on your own every day near home or in other locations and build up gradually to longer walks.
  • Walk up and down stairs instead of using elevators.
  • Use a pedometer if you have one, and track your walking progress.
  • Record your walks on a log to track the time you walked, and increase your time each week.
  • Call a friend and take a walk together.
  • Drive a friend to the walks and save gas.

Some Interesting Town Walks We've Taken

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Walk New Hampshire

On June 5, 2008, about 20 walkers met at the Heritage Trail on Moore's Crossing Road to celebrate Walk NH Week. Despite the drippy weather, walkers enjoyed the trail along the banks of the Merrimack River. Walk NH was created by the Foundation for Healthy Communities, a statewide non-profit organization that works to improve health and health care delivery in New Hampshire.


Van Loan Preserve Trails

About 25 walkers met at the new Van Loan Preserve on September 20, 2007. The group had a great time exploring the many new trails. According to the Bedford Land Trust, access to this pristine natural wildlife area was made possible by a generous donation of a conservation easement by the Van Loan family in December of 2000. The Bedford Land Trust hired the Appalachian Mountain Club to construct trails on the property and to build a bridge over Riddle Brook. Two eagle scouts were also involved with trail construction. One opened up an entrance from North Amherst Road and constructed a kiosk. The other built bog bridges, blazed the trails and made signs. The trails were opened to the public in May, 2007. The trails are open only to hikers, no wheeled vehicles are allowed. You can learn more on the Bedford Land Trust's web site http://www.bedfordlandtrust.org/.


Bedford Cross Country Ski Trail

A large number of walkers attended the September 21, 2006 walk at the Bedford Cross Country Ski Trail, hosted by Alan Goedecke. Alan is a principal founder of the ski trail where individuals, clubs and schools compete and enjoy themselves all seasons. Alan also is the coach for several local high school teams and works many hours to improve the trails and hut. The tour started at the warming hut situated above Legacy Field where Alan provided an overview of the facility and extensive trail system. An enormous amount of effort has gone into making and maintaining the trails and warming hut over the years by the Ski Club members, Rotary Club and others. The complex is an example of how great results can be achieved when the Town and volunteers work together for a common need. The ski trails, situated on land owned by the Town, is available for walks, visits, skiing and other appropriate uses. You can learn more on the ski club's web site http://www.bxcsc.org/ or by calling club president Richie Holstein at 472-2526.