Walking can be hugely beneficial for our health, but a survey commissioned by Walking Scotland has found that one in twenty Scottish adults have stated that they never walk.
The NHS website includes a page on the ways that walking regularly can impact health. It says, “Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight, and become healthier.”
Walking Scotland feel that one of the main reasons for adults choosing to not walk is due to unsafe paths. This includes reports of poor pavement quality and access to amenities, as well as safety concerns.
The Scottish Government currently support a path fund, providing £1.2 million per year, that goes towards maintaining walking routes and providing grants to local communities. This fund is ran by Walking Scotland, and is due to end in 2026, with no alternative yet in place.
Walking Scotland are calling for a National Path Fund, and claim that their research shows support. They have found that almost six in ten Scottish adults say they would walk more if the quality of infrastructure such as paths were better.
The Scottish Government see walking as a vitally important health prospect and have a national walking strategy. This includes the implementation of activities such as the daily mile, which means that primary school children in participating schools have to walk or run for fifteen minutes each day as part of their lessons.
The Scottish Government website states, “ We are focusing on promoting and encouraging walking as a way of getting people to be more active.”
Featured image credit: Walking Scotland/Hollyrood PR
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As someone new to Stirling, this was a really informational article!!!
Big fan of walking and Rae!! So insightful.