A walking group founded to bring people together and support mental wellbeing is continuing to grow across Bridlington after attracting hundreds of followers and dozens of walkers in less than a year.
Evening Walkers was launched in August last year by Sean Allison and his friend Danny Sharpe, with the aim of creating a welcoming space where people could enjoy gentle evening walks, make friends and support one another.
The idea for the group came during a difficult period in Sean’s life after he was diagnosed with cancer. Walking along Bridlington seafront became an important way for him to clear his mind and cope with the emotional challenges he faced.
Sean said: “Walking this exact route genuinely helped clear my head and gave me a temporary escape from everything I was dealing with. While out walking, I noticed so many people walking alone and thought it would be nice to create something where people could walk together, talk openly and simply feel less alone.”
What started as a small Facebook group quickly exceeded expectations, with around 100 people joining each week. Members regularly share messages describing how the walks have helped improve their wellbeing, confidence and social lives.
The group meets Monday to Friday at 7pm outside The Spa on the seafront side, weather permitting. Walkers follow a gentle route from The Spa to the bottom of Limekiln Lane before returning, taking around one hour and 20 minutes in total.
Sean said the group is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level or ability, with wheelchair users and dog walkers regularly attending.
After pausing during the winter because of poor weather and icy conditions, Evening Walkers has now resumed for spring and summer, with organisers hoping even more people will join the growing community over the coming months.
For further details: Facebook – Bridlington Evening Walkers
