'Walk Forward' is a partnership project, launched in June 2008 by Ramblers Scotland and Paths to Health.
The project aims to encourage fitter participants in Paths to Health schemes to move beyond very easy walks and is funded by the Paths for All Partnership and the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust.
Health walk schemes run by Paths to Health target inactive people by organising free, led walks over short distances of half a mile to two miles. However, a number of groups now include too many active walkers, who would gain more from walking in a separate group or independently. Such walkers may deter inactive people from participating in very short health walks.
The extension and development of 'Walk Forward' is therefore very important in providing a link between very easy walks and further physical activity participation. Work currently centres upon encouraging and supporting current Paths to Health walkers to become more independent through forming new groups or walking as individuals, as well as promoting 'Walk Forward' to new Paths to Health groups. Fitter walkers are encouraged to undertake slightly more strenuous walks of three to five miles.
An information pack is being developed to provide details on options for fitter walkers, including walking independently, joining external walking groups or forming new walking groups. Tips are provided on topics such as putting together walks programmes and arranging publicity.
Ramblers Scotland has already been heavily involved in the setting up of new walking groups across Scotland, including the Isle of Bute walking group and Forth Valley Family Walking. These experiences will be valuable in developing 'Walk Forward' as an essential link in the physical activity chain ahead of 2014.
