Walking is consistently proven to be the best exercise for heatlh and wellbeing

A report has revealed walking is Scotland’s most popular outdoor pursuit by far, but that poorer communities are missing out.  

Government agency NatureScot asked the public which activities they participated in during their most recent trip outdoors. 

Walking was the most popular activity on 93%, with sightseeing a very distant second, on 27%.  

The People and Nature Survey 2023/24 was published yesterday following more than 12,000 online surveys of adults between March 2023 and February 2024. It found that:   

Adults made more than 600 million outdoor leisure visits during the year 

Some 71% of residents in the least deprived neighbourhoods enjoyed outdoor recreation at least once a week, compared to just 50% in the most deprived communities 

Improving your health was the most common reason to get outdoors.  

Walking charity Ramblers Scotland welcomed the role that walking is playing in boosting the nation’s health and wellbeing.   

However, it said the survey highlighted the need for £5million of targeted investment to break down barriers for deprived communities and to ensure that everyone feels supported to walk.   

Director Brendan Paddy said: “With a new budget looming, Scottish politicians face difficult decisions on public spending, amid stark warnings for our NHS this winter. 

“Pound-for-pound, nothing beats investing in walking for our physical and mental health. But while offering excellent value for taxpayers’ money, walking is not free.  

“We need public spending on paths, access, education and support to get more deprived communities walking, so that everyone - from all backgrounds – can benefit from Scotland’s amazing great outdoors.

 
“That is why Ramblers Scotland has this week written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison, calling for the Scottish budget to commit £5million towards targeted walking investment. At less than £1 per person, that is unbeatable value."