Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Scotland is walking and wheeling more than ever, a new national survey by a leading charity has revealed.
The latest survey from Walking Scotland reveals that 57% of adults now walk or wheel every day, up from 52% in 2023, and 86% walk several times a week.
Yet not everyone is keeping pace, as one in 20 admit to never walking – despite over half of survey participants saying they would like to walk more for leisure (68%) and routine reasons (63%).
Across Scotland, people report poor pavement quality, safety concerns and poor access to local amenities are preventing them from doing so, showing a disconnect between ambition and reality.
Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Walking Scotland, said: “Scots want to walk more, and many are. But these figures show too many people still face barriers that stop them. It’s time to make walking the easy choice for everyone. This is a moment to listen to what communities are telling us.
“We know that almost six in 10 would walk more if path infrastructure was better, so the ambition is there. People want to walk.”
The survey shows that the vast majority agree that walking benefits both their physical and mental health, and a good network of paths and pavements is cited as an important consideration when deciding whether to walk or wheel.
Scotland has led the way in promoting walking and wheeling up to now, but Scotland’s only remaining path fund for communities in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government, comes to an end in early 2026.
That’s why, as the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaches, the charity is calling for a National Path Fund to ensure everyone has access to safe, well-maintained paths.
Lafferty continued: “Demand for our support and advice is higher than ever. This research gives a clear direction of travel. A National Path Fund would ensure everyone in Scotland has access to safe, well-maintained routes.”
Everyday walking and wheeling are simple actions with long term benefits for Scotland, improving health, connecting communications, and supporting climate and nature ambitions. Evidence shows that for every £1 spent on walking infrastructure, the return is up to £6 in health, economic and environmental benefits.
The charity says the results of this survey will shape upcoming work with local authorities, communities and delivery partners, identifying areas most in need of investment and support.
It shows that where paths and local environments are safe, accessible and well-maintained, people will choose to walk and wheel more often. Walking Scotland want to make this an option for everyone.
Making walking and wheeling part of everyday life is at the heart of Walking Scotland’s mission. Through initiatives like the Step Count Challenge, the charity continues to inspire people across Scotland to move more, feel better, and take steps toward a healthier, greener future.
Read the full report here: Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey 2025
