Walking festival is first step to
healthier life
[8th September 2005]
A walk in the country could be the best prescription for
health according to the Ramblers’ Association’s (RA) National
Walking Survey, which is being unveiled to mark Welcome to
Walking Week (17-25 September 2005).
A massive 95 per cent of people questioned in the survey said
walking had benefited their health, and more than half thought
walking had reduced the number of trips they made to their GP.
The results are revealed as the RA’s launches its national
walking for health festival, Welcome to Walking Week. The event
aims to introduce people to the benefits of walking with
hundreds of free led walks across Britain.
The survey showed a clear link between walking and health, with
more than half the people questioned saying walking had actually
reduced the number of trips they made to their GP. Sixty-nine
per cent said walking helped them deal with stress, depression,
anxiety and problem solving. And only five per cent said they go
to a gym regularly, compared to a third (33 per cent) who walk
every day for at least 30 minutes.
The survey also showed the importance of protecting Britain’s
beautiful countryside and network of paths, as 65% said the most
important reason for going for a walk was to enjoy the
countryside.
There are nearly 400 free led walks across England, Scotland and
Wales during Welcome to Walking Week, which are open to all,
with plenty of short easy walks suitable for all the family.
Details of walks in your area can be found on the RA’s website
at www.ramblers.org.uk/walks.
Welcome to Walking Week is part of ITV’s Britain on the Move
campaign, which is encouraging people in Britain to get off
their sofas, get out and exercise.
Mariusz Wilczynski, Event Organiser, said: “Welcome to Walking
Week is a great opportunity for anyone who needs motivation to
get fit and healthy, with walks for all fitness levels
available. Walking is the cheapest, most natural and most
convenient way to keep fit and regularly walking for as little
as thirty minutes a day will improve your health.”