Walking is the most natural mode of transport and an excellent way to get regular exercise.

Five Good Reasons to Walk More

1. It’s Free

That’s right... free, that means no cost!

Not only is it free, it saves you money. If you walked some shorter journeys instead of taking the car just think how much you could save in petrol and parking charges.


2. It’s a Great Way to Keep Fit & Healthy

Health professionals recommend 30 minutes moderate exercise a day to maintain a basic level of fitness, walking is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into our busy daily routines.

Regular walking can help to control weight gain, stay in shape and reduces the risk of many illnesses and conditions.

Walking is generally safe and low-impact, with a low risk of injuries and accidents.


Walking regularly can:

- Improve your heart and circulation
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Promote weight loss
- Improve flexibility of joints and muscles
- Build strength in muscles and bones
- Boost your immune system
- Help you breathe more efficiently
- Aid restful sleep
- Help maintain a balanced body chemistry
- Build confidence and mental well-being


3. Time Well Spent

For short trips, walking can be the quickest way of getting around. Walking for 10 minutes (about half a mile) will often be quicker than driving by the time a parking space is found.

Other trips may take longer, but consider how enjoyable it is compared to the stresses of driving.

Research shows that children who walk to school are more alert and ready to learn than those who are driven there.

4. Good for the Environment

Walking doesn’t pollute. Car users are regularly exposed to up to three times more pollution as pedestrians when they are sitting in traffic.


5. Good for Your Community

By walking to the local shops, you’re supporting your local economy. And the more people there are on the streets, the safer and friendlier our streets feel.

Did You Know?

Twice as many women (15%) walk to work as men (7.3%). (DfT 2003)
At a moderate pace, a person of average fitness can comfortably walk one and a half miles in 30 minutes.
Walking a mile burns the same number of calories as running a mile.
Regular walking can halve your risk of a heart attack.


How to Build Walking into Your Routine:

Try walking on some regular trips, such as to work. If time’s a problem, try doing it just once or twice a week. If it’s too far, try going for a walk at lunchtime.

Try walking for short trips, such as to the local shops or school.

If catching the bus, try getting off a stop earlier.

Explore some of the leisure walking opportunities in and around your local area: see the Links, Downloads, and Events section of this site for ideas.

Gradually build up your pace and the distance you walk. Time how long it takes to make regular journeys and see if you can reduce it.