Walking isn’t only good for our physical, social and mental health. It’s also good for our communities, the environment and the economy.
We support and inspire people in Scotland to walk and wheel more.
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Here are some tips to help you stay safe and walk with confidence!
Don’t get lost! Save time and find the best route by planning ahead of time.
Researching your destination can be helpful for choosing a route that suits your needs and walking pace. Apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps show routes which combine walking, wheeling and public transport. They often provide suggestions for landmarks, attractions and places to rest and recharge.
Apps such as What3Words are useful for pinpointing exact locations. Perfect to meeting friends of finding specific spots.
Do your research and find out where to walk.
Using paths is a safer way to walk thanks to their dedicated space away from traffic. Defined paths also have signage to show you the way.
Low-level, quality paths support safe local journeys for everyone. Well-maintained paths typically have more even surfaces with fewer tripping hazards compared to walking through uncleared natural areas without paths.
You can use a walking app or a community website to find well-maintained routes. Check out our favourite apps for walkers and find out where to walk.
Do you know the principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Highway Code? These codes outline how you can stay safe and enjoy your journey, whilst showing respect for other path users and your local environment.
To cross the road, always use pedestrian crossings or traffic lights when available. If there aren’t any, find a long stretch of road with clear visibility in both directions to cross safely.
Wear bright or high-visibility clothing when you’re planning to walk in poor weather or when it’s dark. If there are no pavements, then walk or wheel on the right-hand side of the road so that you are visible to oncoming traffic. Groups should walk in a single file to stay visible to drivers and cyclists.
Children need extra attention around roads. Hold their hand and keep them away from traffic. See your walks as opportunities to teach them about road safety as you chat. This will help them develop safe habits too.
Being aware of your surroundings helps you enjoy your walk with peace of mind.
Select well-lit, open paths after dark, and watch for hazards such as puddles, fallen branches, and uneven ground. In cities and towns pay attention to parked vehicles, passing cyclists, and construction zones as you might need to adjust your route.
If you are walking further afield or alone then let someone know about your walking plans. Share your intended route and expected start and finish times with a friend or family member for added peace of mind. Many apps offer convenient location-sharing features that make this even easier.
Happy walking!
