Ride, Stride and Thrive

Regardless of whether someone wants to learn to ride for the first time or just hasn’t ridden in a while and wants to improve their confidence, we offer cycling activities that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Adapted bikes and conventional bikes are available to use during both training and led rides meaning no equipment is needed to get involved. There is a lot of support available for people who want to cycle in Doncaster, and we can also connect people to other support such as bike maintenance workshops, bike and e-bike loans.

Cycle Training

We are pleased to offer a range of cycle training adapted to a person’s needs and goals. Delivered by our partners at Pedal Ready, their qualified and experienced trainers tailor fun 45 minute sessions to individual needs to help people feel safe and confident on a bike. All sessions can be delivered one to one, or with friends, family, carers or support workers depending on preference. 

For those new to cycling or with low confidence we offer learn to ride and level 1 cycle training in a traffic-free environment. Once a person has built up their confidence, they can choose to complete level 2 or level 3 cycle training on local roads and cycle paths, join a led ride or be supported to create a Personalised Travel Plan to use their new skills to get out and about in the community.

“My confidence has improved as well as now I can ride both a trike and bike independently. and I plan on one day riding to and from my volunteer job with support initially then hopefully one day independently”

Led Rides

Led rides are a great way to continue building confidence on a bike and discover new cycle routes in a safe environment. Like the cycle training, the rides are led by the qualified and experienced trainers from Pedal Ready and are inclusive and tailored to suit all abilities. The rides are delivered to small groups to offer the chance for participants to meet like-minded people whilst getting used to cycling in the community.

“It's nice to have someone to ride with […} just having somebody just chat and sort of vibe with”

Walking is a great way to explore where you live, discover new places and improve your health and wellbeing.

All walking activities are suitable for all abilities and are designed to be inclusive for wheelchairs and mobility aids. We have walking poles available for people to use so all that is needed is a comfortable pair of shoes!

Led Walks

Led walking groups are delivered by the Ride, Stride and Thrive team and are a fantastic way to get out and about in the community whilst chatting to fellow walkers. Please see our timetable for more information about each walk. 

Keep an eye out as we also offer a range of themed walks throughout the year!

“It wasn’t just about exercise, it was a bit of company as well.”

1 to 1 Walks

The Ride, Stride and Thrive team offer the opportunity for 1 to 1 supported walks. Although we know a lot of great routes, these walks are completely personalised so the distance, where they start and where they go to is planned with the person, we can even start it from their front door!

The 1 to 1 walks are perfect for people who want to take that first step to walking in the community or who may have been inactive for a prolonged period as they help to build confidence, fitness and knowledge of the community. 

Personalised Travel Planning

The Ride, Stride and Thrive team offer tailored advice and work with people to create individual travel plans to help people make more walking, wheeling, and cycling journeys. Whether it’s to the shops, work, a group activity, or to see friends and family, we have lots of helpful resources to help people discover new routes and get them to where they want to be. We can provide information to support people to travel by foot, cycle or public transport and can even do a practice journey to help build a person’s confidence to try a new way for the first time.

“I've just got mental health problems and feel like they get the better of me sometimes and so it helped that as well…..And I just did the sessions to help me with anxiety”

When: Every Monday, 45 minute sessions are available between 10am-1pm.

Starting point: St Catherine’s House, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, Balby, DN4 8QP

*please note booking is essential for cycle training, please complete the referral form or contact us.

When: Every Monday at 11am-12pm.

Starting point: St Catherine’s House, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, Balby, DN4 8QP

*please note booking is essential for led rides, please complete the referral form or contact us.

Westfield Park

When: Every Monday 2.00pm-3.00pm

Starting point: Entrance to the park, Littlemore Lane, Balby, DN4 0LN

Details: A gentle walk following the pathways around the tennis court and bowling greens of Westfield Park. The walk starts with a slight incline with the remainder of the walk taking place on flat, well maintained footpaths within the park, which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There is the option to extend the walk by walking up to the play area and exiting the park on Balby Road.

The route is 0.5 miles but can be extended to 0.65 miles and takes approx. 30 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Westfield Park Walk

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Hexthorpe Flatts Park

When: Every Tuesday 11.00am-1.00pm

Starting point: Entrance to the park, just off Greenfield Lane, Balby, DN4 0HY

Details: A gentle walk around the paths of Hexthorpe Flatts Park. This walk takes place on well maintained footpaths within the park, with the option of walking around The Dell. There are a number of steps/slopes within The Dell, however there is a flat pathway which is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are several benches and seating areas around the route.

The route is 0.46 miles/0.6miles and takes approx. 30 minutes, or can be extended to 1.1 miles and takes 60 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

After the walk, join us for a free cuppa and chat!

Hexthorpe Flatts Park Walk

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Woodfield Way Park (includes nature activity)

When: Every Thursday 10.00am-12.00pm

Starting point: Outside Goodnight Sleeptight shop, near Tesco Extra, Woodfield Way, Balby, DN4 8SN

Details: A gentle walk towards the park, taking the paths around the multi-use playground, woodland and lake while taking part in a nature activity, before returning to the cafe at Tesco Extra for refreshments. There will be the opportunity to take part in a nature activity during the walk. The walk begins and ends on an incline however, the remainder of the walk takes place on flat, well maintained footpaths which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are several benches and seating areas around the route, with plenty of opportunities to rest.

The route is 1.1 miles and takes approx. 60 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Woodfield Way Park Walk

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Sandall Park

When: Every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am

Starting point: Sandall Park car park, near to the café just off Thorne Road, DN2 5DZ

Details: A gentle walk around the paths of Sandall Park. This walk takes place on well maintained footpaths within the park, the pathway around the lake and up towards the play area is on an incline, however the route is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are several benches and seating areas around the route and there will be the opportunity for rest stops around the route.

The route is 1.2 miles and takes 60 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

After the walk, join us for a free cuppa and chat in the cafe!

Sandall Park Walk

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Town Fields (includes nature activity)

When: Every Tuesday 1.00pm-3.00pm (starting 28^th January)

Starting point: Town Fields entrance off Thorne Road, DN2 2JP

Details: A gentle walk and nature activity around the paths of Town Fields. This walk takes place on well maintained footpaths within the park, starting and ending on a gentle incline, however the route is mostly flat and all of the pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.

There are several benches and seating areas around the route and there will be the opportunity for rest stops around the route.

The route is 1.1 miles and takes approx. 60 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Town Fields Walk

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Grove Gardens

When: Every Wednesday 10.00am-11.00am

Starting point: Grove Gardens entrance on Armthorpe Road, DN2 5LY.

Details: A gentle walk around the paths of Grove Gardens, through the trees and around the tennis courts and play area. There are a number of steps throughout the park, however the walk will take place on flat, well maintained footpaths which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are several benches and seating areas around the route and there will be the opportunity for rest stops around the route.

The route is 0.66 miles and takes approx. 30 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Grove Gardens Walk

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Toll Bar Park (includes nature activity)

When: Every Thursday 2.00pm-3.00pm (starting 6^th February)

Starting point: Toll Bar Park entrance on Linden Walk, Toll Bar

Details: A gentle walk around the pathways of Toll Bar Park, walking past the play area towards the monument and seating area, using flat, well maintained paths. This walk is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aid and there will be the opportunity to rest at the seating area before completing the route.

The route is 0.4 miles and takes approx. 30 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Toll Bar Park Walk

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Bentley Park

When: Every Friday 10.00am-12.00pm (starting 7^th February)

Starting point: Bentley Park entrance on Cooke Street, Bentley

Details: A gentle walk around the pathways of Bentley Park, which will take you past the Lily Pond, wildflower area, play areas and bandstand before stopping for refreshments in The Pavilion. This walk takes place on flat, well maintained footpaths within the park which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. There are several benches and seating areas around the route, and there will be plenty of opportunities to rest.

The route is 1.2 miles and takes approx. 60 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

After the walk, join us for a free cuppa and chat in the café!

Bentley Park Walk

Download (302KB - PDF)

 

Queens Drive Playing Fields

When: Every Friday 1.00pm-2.00pm (starting 7^th February)

Starting point: Entrance to the playing fields/playground on Queens Drive, Bentley, DN5 9QL

Details: A gentle walk through the playing fields and playground at Queens Drive, before joining Wellington Grove, onto Lauder Road and arriving back at Queens Drive entrance to the playing fields. The walk takes part on well maintained, flat paths which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.

The route is 0.8 miles and takes approx. 45 minutes.

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome.

Queens Drive Playing Field Walk

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1 to 1 walks are organised at a time and place to suit the person, it could be from the local library, park, GP, or even their front door! Please complete the referral form or contact us, and the team will be in touch to arrange a session.

Personalised Travel Planning sessions are organised at a time and place to suit the person. Please complete the referral form or contact us, and the team will be in touch to arrange a session.