Scottish Health Walk Network

Walk on Hebrides

“The impact of these Health Walk groups to those living with long-term conditions in remote and rural communities is immeasurable.”

Since 2007, the “Walk on Hebrides” programme in the Outer Hebrides has provided free opportunities for residents to walk together as part of Health Walks. With support and funding from the Scottish Health Walk Network the project has been able to hire a dedicated co-ordinator and train volunteers to lead new walks.

Taking up her post in May 2024, Laura MacKay added to her skills by completing our training courses. She can now train more volunteer walk leaders, ensure walks are friendly for those with dementia, and include simple exercises to increase the Strength and Balance of people taking part.

“This training is critical in supporting the ageing population of the Western Isles – it’s been an essential part of revitalizing the volunteer program and walking provision.”

Laura has recruited and trained 6 new walk leaders so far and has worked to increase the skills of existing ones. The ability to train and upskill volunteers means the programme is more sustainable and can offer residents Health Walks for many years to come.

Walk on Hebrides now delivers 10 Health Walks across remote and rural communities including in Barra, North and South Uist, Benbecula, Harris and Lewis.

Our training programmes are available to Health Walk projects across Scotland. The courses have been developed using the latest in best practice and evidence of health behaviour change with leading academic and practitioner services.