1 in 3 women don’t have enough time to go for a walk

A new survey commissioned by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, has found that nearly one in three women (29%) say a lack of time prevents them from walking more.

Research shows that walking can reduce a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor at any age, and help women recover after having a baby or experiencing a long illness.

But women are more likely to make multi-purpose walking journeys, such as combining school drop-offs, care responsibilities and errands within a single trip. Women also spend nearly an hour (54 minutes) per day  on average more than men on unpaid work including housework, caring for others and volunteering. The latest Sport England data (April 2026) shows women are less likely to be active than men.

The new YouGov polling also shows that among UK adults, women are more likely than men to be going for a walk because they are running a family errand (39% vs 31%).

That’s why, this National Walking Month, television presenter Julia Bradbury is asking women to ‘walk out’ – and get outside for a walk each day in May for themselves – and their own enjoyment. 

Julia Bradbury, television presenter, walking champion and National Walking Month ambassador said:

“As a mum and a woman recovering from cancer, walking has been an absolute lifeline for my physical and mental health.

“It’s sad to hear that so many women struggle to get the time for themselves to head outside and enjoy the benefits of a walk or wheel. The personal gains are huge. No kids, no errands, just movement and the rhythm of walking in the fresh air can be life-changing.

“So, this is a shout out to all women to take a bit of time for themselves – even 10 or 20 minutes – to ‘walk out’ every day this May. It could just be the new habit you need to change your life. Walk yourself happy!”

The YouGov poll also found that women in the UK are put off walking more due to “a lack of public toilets” (14%), “vehicles parked on pavements” (9%) and to “not enough places to rest” (9%).

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be put off walking more by a lack of safe places to walk nearby (14% vs 8%).

Last month, Lilian Greenwood MP announced new guidance for councils to help improve streets for women and girls. 

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport said:

“Everyone should have the opportunity to walk for their own wellbeing, but this research shows too many women are missing out.

“We know that feeling safe and having accessible, well-designed streets makes a real difference. That’s why we’re supporting councils with new guidance to create safer, more inclusive walking environments for women and girls."

Chris Boardman CBE, Active Travel Commissioner said:

“Walking is one of the most powerful things any of us can do for our physical and mental health. The fact that women are nearly twice as likely as men to be put off walking by a lack of safe routes tells you everything about the work still to be done. It isn't just a transport problem – it's a failure of design.

“Our streets should work for everyone. That's why Active Travel England is working with councils across the country to build safety in from the start – better lighting, clearer sightlines, routes that feel safe at night as well as in daylight. May is a great time to start walking for pleasure, I'd encourage everyone step outside this National Walking Month.”

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Living Streets said:

“Walking and wheeling has been described as a wonder drug – it’s fantastic for our bodies and research shows people who walk report higher levels of mental wellbeing. 

“Walking also has specific benefits for women, including a sense of safety and solidarity that comes from walking with other women. Our recent poll even showed that over half of women say going for a walk is their favourite way to spend time with a friend, and my local walking group is often described by the women attending as a lifeline. 

“We’re inviting people of all genders to join a mass ‘walk out’ on Friday 29 May in recognition of the joys of walking and to make walking fairer for everyone.”