THE Olympics this summer showed sport and physical activity at the highest level; and as exciting as that is to watch, the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) are here to remind you that physical activity is accessible for all levels and abilities – and Taunton has been a hub of inclusivity for years.

SASP run a variety of inclusive sport events and this summer in Taunton young people with additional needs with their siblings or other family members have been able to get into the Olympic spirit and enjoy a range of activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and multi-sports.

‘Fit for Work’ is a new programme launched this year and taking place in Taunton, which is designed to help adults with disabilities prepare for the physical demands of the workplace. Last year, Somerset Health Walks saw the introduction of Beginner Walks at Vivary Park in Taunton, which are under one mile, flat and even ground, no stiles, at a gentle pace with frequent stops.

Ideal for those new to walking or living with health conditions that impact fitness or mobility. Since the launch of this walk, we now have beginner walks in Bridgwater, Crewkerne, West Camel, Shepton Mallet, Holcombe and Frome.

Today, the meeting point for the walk is well-known Vivary Park in Taunton, meeting alongside the War Memorial. There are plenty of parking options in town and this walk is also on a bus route with a train station less than a mile away.

Vivary Park is particularly beautiful this time of year with an abundance of colours and well-kept and manicured gardens. It has its own sensory garden and home to the After Life bench made famous by the Ricky Gervais TV series: ‘Hope is everything.’

This route is recommended during summer months as it can get muddy underfoot along the footpaths and fields. Opportunities along the route to stop and pause and listen to the bird song - all less than a mile from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

1. Facing the War Memorial with the park gates behind you, take the left-hand footpath to the back of the park and out through the large gates near the cricket ground. Turn left and at the junction with Mount Street, turn right.

2. Pass Ellisfields Court on your right and turn right down Mount Walk to join the public footpath. Follow the stream passing by the rear of Richard Huish College. At the end of the footpath, turn right into Calway Road. Just after Fouracres Close, take the signposted footpath on the left and turn right at the end into Mountfields Road.

3. Keep straight on passing the Wyvern Sports Club and turn left at the public footpath sign opposite the sports ground, over a little bridge. Follow the footpath and through a kissing gate into the field. Keep the hedge on the right and pass through another kissing gate still with the hedge on your right. At the third field, the hedge on your right passes through a kissing gate into adjacent field, now keeping the hedge on your left.

4. Walk to the corner of the field, near the farm buildings. Watch your step as the field is on a slope and turn right and follow the path with the steam on your left. An old stile has been replaced with a new gate into the lane. The field is shared with cattle, keep a distance from the animals and walk past without fuss, do not approach or feed farm animals and be sure to close gates after you.

5. After passing the tennis courts and children’s play area on the left, turn left into the gate at Vivary Park on a right-hand bend. Follow the left-hand path back to the war memorial to finish. The walk has now ended, and walkers can enjoy a well-deserved cup of tea or coffee and maybe a slice of cake at The Coffee Station café situated in the park.

Compass Points

1. Toilets available

2. Refreshments available

3. Good public transport links

4. Flat route

5. Wildlife encounters