Celebrating National Walking Month, Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council and Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire have come together to promote the benefits of walking.

According to the Sport England Active Lives Survey for 2021-2022, In Herefordshire 50 per cent of adults already either walk regularly or fairly regularly, more than the national average of 43 per cent.

However, in this collaboration, aims to encourage more of the public to walk this May, celebrating National Walking Month and embracing the health and wellbeing benefits the walking or wheeling can bring.

Walking or wheeling is a free, fun and flexible way to build exercise into your routine, and the two counties are blessed with natural beauty spots, walking groups, and walking sports groups to get involved.

Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council and Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire Council, said:

“Getting out and about for a walk in the fresh air, is good for our minds, our bodies and the environment. 

“Taking regular walks can reduce stress and blood pressure, improve sleep, boost your mood and help you manage your weight. It’s also fun, particularly when you walk with friends and colleagues.

“We would love to see pictures of how people enjoy walking, whether that’s during the week walking the dog or taking children to school, or a special walk at the weekend for fun. 

“We live in a beautiful area, which many people travel to for their holiday. It’s now a great time of year to enjoy the natural beauty nearby. So please use the hashtag #WalkthisMay to share your walk.”

Across social media and the websites of the participating organisations this May, you can learn more about walking routes near you, the benefits walking can have on mental health, the benefits of walking for travel and more.

You can get involved this May by using the hashtag #WalkthisMay to show how you incorporate walking into your daily lives. 

For more information on National Walking Month, please visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/walkthismay.