Celebrating National Walking Month
Every May, people across the UK (and increasingly around the world) lace up their walking shoes to celebrate National Walking Month, a campaign that encourages individuals, families, and communities to rediscover the joys and benefits of walking.
Whether it's a stroll through a park, a brisk walk to work, or a scenic hike, the month offers a perfect opportunity to get moving and embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Walking Matters
Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of physical activity. It requires no special equipment, gym membership, or athletic training. Yet, it delivers powerful health benefits:
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Boosts mood and mental clarity
- Helps manage weight
- Reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers
For many, walking is also a vital means of transportation and a way to reconnect with nature, especially in a fast-paced, screen-saturated world.
The 20-Minute Challenge
A central message of National Walking Month is the “Try20” challenge which demonstrates how just 20 minutes of walking can significantly improve your wellbeing.
This year, Living Streets, the UK charity behind the campaign, is encouraging people to swap short car journeys for walks whenever possible. It’s not only good for your health but also for the environment, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Walking for Everyone
National Walking Month isn’t just about personal health, it’s about community too. Many towns and cities host walking events, guided trails, and “walk to school” campaigns to engage all ages. May is also host to Living Streets' Walk to School Week - where hundreds of thousands of children across the UK choose to walk, wheel, cycle and scoot to school.
For children, walking to school supports independence and daily activity. For older adults, walking offers a low-impact way to maintain mobility and social interaction.
Make It a Habit
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate more walking into your daily routine:
- Walk part of your commute or all of it, if possible
- Take a walking meeting or lunch break stroll
- Explore new local walking trails
- Walk with a friend or join a walking group
- Use stairs instead of lifts or escalators
National Walking Month is more than a health initiative, it's a movement toward better lives, cleaner cities, and stronger communities. So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting to stretch your legs more, May is the perfect time to start putting one foot in front of the other.
Let’s walk our way to a healthier future, one step at a time.