www.ramblers.org.uk

Walking for you

Did you know that...?


Photo: Richard Mann

...Walking is the closest activity to perfect exercise, the most sustainable means of transport and Britain’s most popular outdoor recreation by far. Almost everyone can enjoy walking, there’s no need for specialist skills and equipment, and you can walk almost anywhere at any time for as long or as short a time as you choose. It’s ideal for building exercise into your everyday life, offers a great escape from the stress of modern living and provides the best way to explore your local environment...

 …Experts recommend at least half an hour of moderate exercise five days a week, but only 20% of people in the UK currently get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and fitness level...
(NHS Direct)

 …Lack of exercise now causes more illness in the EU than smoking...
(World Health Organisation)

 …Unlike going to the gym, walking is a free, low impact, natural exercise that offers a variety of surroundings as you walk in different places and different seasons...
(Ramblers’ Association)

 …Walking to school is an ideal way to help reach the recommended hour a day of exercise for children...
(Department of Health)

 …Walker-friendly places are people-friendly places. Putting walkers’ needs first results in a more attractive, ‘liveable’ environment for everyone...
(Transport 2000, Department for Transport)

 …78% of all journeys under one mile are made on foot, and walking is still the biggest means of accessing public transport...
(Department for Transport, National Statistics)

 …While walking overall is in decline, walking for leisure is increasing: it’s at least three times as popular a physical activity as its nearest competitor, swimming. 77% of UK adults say they walk for pleasure at least once a month, though many are not walking frequently enough to obtain the maximum health benefits...
(National Statistics, ICM Survey)

 …Countryside walkers inject an estimated £6.14bn into the rural economy of England, with about £900m spent in Scotland. Countryside visitors in Wales spend around £548m a year, and 65% say that walking is the main reason they come....
(Christie and Matthews, Transport for Leisure, Welsh Assembly Government)

 …More walking could save £7billion off the national health bill.
(Countryside Agency)

Pages in Walking for You

See also

Walking for you is a Ramblers promoting walking project. Read more about promoting walking work in Great Britain.