Walking brings multiple benefits to people and society.
Increasing the number of people walking in Scotland is key to tackling our inactivity issue. A third of us in Scotland aren’t currently active enough, which has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. Walking is the best way for many of us to be more active.
At least 30 minutes, five days a week
A brisk 30 minute walk on five days of the week can prevent illness, improve wellbeing and save lives. By taking a brisk walk, one that makes you breathe a little harder and feel a little warmer, you can achieve the national recommended physical activity guidelines of being active for 30 minutes, five days of the week.
The best part about walking is that it's completely free. No costly visits to a gym, no special equipment or facilities are needed, and it can be incorporated into everyday life. Walking is a low risk and accessible activity that most people can do at any stage in life, whether that's walking to school or staying active and independent in later life.
Walk for physical health
Walking can help to prevent a range of health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers and Alzheimer’s. It can help reduce falls in older adults, help you sleep better, help to manage pain and a wide range of long term conditions.
Walk for mental health
It’s been proven to have a positive effect on our mental health too, especially if we get into green spaces to do it. Walking can increase feelings of self-esteem, improve mood, and reduce anxiety and depression.
Walk for social health
Walking is a great way to improve your social health. It's been shown to combat loneliness, increase your connections with other people and help you feel connected in your community. This is especially true if you join a walking group or one of our Health Walks.
Walk for the environment
The personal benefits of walking are clear. But walking more can have a much wider effect on society too. By reducing car use and increasing walking, we can reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, creating huge environmental benefits. Communities where walking is more common have stronger local economies and more walkable environments have been linked to a better quality of life.
Walk every day
You’ll see that the case for walking more really adds up! We're here to support everyone living in Scotland to walk more, everyday, everywhere.