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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Through walking, Bill and Irfan, from Boston, Massachusetts, have discovered a love for exploring new cultures, connecting with others and with the natural environment one step at a time.
When they travel, they actively reach out to walking groups, as they did in June 2024 while on holiday in Scotland. They joined a Rainbow Walk and Conversation Café Walking Scotland hosted as part of LEAP Sports’ Festival Fortnight celebrations. We asked them to share what walking means to them both.
Walking to connect with an area
Bill told us that he enjoys walking in the places they visit as it’s an opportunity to see what it would be like to live in that place as a local:“Walking with a group of people gives us that chance to explore the cultures and enjoy local perspectives away from busy tourist areas. Walking allows us to explore the landscape and to connect to the place as if we lived there.”
Walking to maintain health
As Bill and Irfan get older, they appreciate walking more and more. Injuries caused by running meant that Irfan needed to think about other ways to stay physically active, and walking has now become a priority:
“As you age and issues arise with your health, it becomes important to fit walking into your life.”
As one of the easiest forms of movement, walking is a great way to stay active throughout life, explore your local community, enjoy nature, and connect with other people.
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Positive Steps Kemnay“The posts are fantastic. Anyone can use them, you don’t need to come to the walking group, the community here can use them all the time, they’re so accessible.”
Amy and James’s walking story (Kincarrathie House, Perth)“I really enjoyed the training, and spending time in the care home and with grandad has improved my knowledge, experience, and confidence in both myself, and delivering the sessions with older…
A path 120 years in the making (Isle of Lewis)“This project has brought two committees together. It is ironic that there was a path promised in Parliament over 100 years ago but never delivered. The funding from the IFPF has been essential and…
Catherine’s walking story (Scottish Disability Sport)“It made me go out for a morning walk, made me leave the screen during the day at various intervals, and made me go out for at least one evening walk.”
Donna’s walking story“It motivated me to walk more, whether before or after work, or during lunch breaks.”
Edinburgh Leisure and NHS Lothian’s Ageing Well Project“It was fantastic to join this Health Walk and see first-hand how these walks have such a positive impact on your mental wellbeing.”
Fiona’s walking story (University of Strathclyde)“I would encourage anyone to get their work colleagues involved – there is fun to be had and prizes to be won!”
Glasgow community celebrates major pathway improvements (Castlemilk)“Seeing the lights go on and the pathway clear, watching people walk along the path on a wet day, was a joy”
Historic path on the Isle of Skye gets a new lease of life“The path is crucial for us to be able to walk safely, instead of braving the dangerous A87 main road. Walkers and wheelers who have always been excluded from using this route are now using it…
In memory of Richard, a passionate walkerIn July 2024, staff at the University of Edinburgh decided to raise money for us in memory of their colleague Richard, who passed away suddenly.
Kelly’s walking story (The Wee County Walkers)“Since retiring as a maintenance engineer in 2009, walking became my main hobby with unrivalled physical and mental health benefits.”
New path is vital link to local services and greenspaces in Dunfermline“This project has transformed the pathway into an accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly route for the entire community.”
Robert’s walking story (Volunteering Hebrides)“For me, the walks are not merely a one-hour weekly event but experiences which have transformed my life every day.”
