Why walking matters

Walking and wheeling are vital to addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time. From improving physical, social and mental health, to creating safer and more attractive communities, supporting the economy and tackling the climate-nature emergency.

Walking and wheeling require little or no specialist equipment and are arguably the most affordable, accessible and practical way to increase physical activity levels and support active travel. 

Almost everyone already walks or wheels, and even modest increases give a whole range of benefits for individuals, communities, the economy and to Scotland.

Good for you.

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. Walking has a whole range of benefits for your health. It helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It improves your wellbeing and is linked to better sleep, improved cognitive function and an overall better quality of life. Every step counts and even modest amounts of walking (around 4,000 steps a day) makes a positive impact on your health.

Good for Scotland and the planet.

Walking is one of the best ways to tackle the climate-nature emergency and support Scotland’s journey towards Net Zero. If more of us choose to walk, CO₂ emissions, noise and air pollution from traffic would reduce. Choosing to walk for our everyday journeys is an excellent way for us all to reduce our carbon footprint and to be more connected to nature.

Good for communities.

Walking increases social interactions and connectedness in our communities. Places and spaces that prioritise and support walking help to foster safer, more accessible and inviting neighbourhoods. Our villages, towns and cities benefit from lower air and noise pollution. Walking is an excellent way for people to connect with local greenspaces which boosts mental wellbeing. Walking-friendly infrastructure improves pedestrian safety, encourages people to walk more, and makes our communities more attractive, friendlier and healthier places to be.

Good for the economy.

Walking has a range of benefits for the economy. Walkable villages, towns and cities help to boost local economies, with pedestrians spending more money, particularly in small, local businesses. Good path infrastructure increases the attractiveness of our communities, raising the value of homes. Commuting on foot leads to better work performance and improves employee wellbeing. The cost-benefit ratio of walking is exceptional, particularly when combined with the health, social and environmental benefits.

Good for children and young people.

Encouraging and supporting children and young people to walk and wheel builds healthy habits early in life. Walking and wheeling opportunities in schools and accessible walking environments support safer school runs. It also encourages active travel, improves physical, social and mental health and contributes to better learning outcomes.

Good for workplaces.

Walking and wheeling provide a range of benefits to organisations and employees. Walking and wheeling improve physical health and wellbeing, reduces stress and supports increased creativity and productivity. Encouraging a walking and wheeling workplace culture, supports organisations to meet their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

About Walking Scotland

We promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social, and mental health. Our programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. We also improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.

We’re an advocate for making walking and wheeling inclusive. We work with partners and local communities to reduce barriers. This ensures everyone has the chance to walk or wheel everywhere they go. By focusing on walking and wheeling, we’re helping to solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.