National Walking Month

For this year's National Walking Month, we highlighted the benefits of walking for women.

We asked women to #WalkOut – and get outside for a walk or wheel each day in May for their own health, wellbeing and enjoyment. 

The call for women to ‘walk out’ for National Walking Month was made in recognition of women being more likely to make multi-purpose journeys, such as combining school drop-offs, care responsibilities and errands within a single trip. We asked women to go for a walk for themselves – and their own enjoyment.

And you answered! Nearly 900 people signed up for the #WalkOut and groups organised events across the UK. We loved hearing how your walk outs helped boost your mood and invigorate your bodies.

Our latest research

We were delighted to be joined by our National Walking Month ambassador, Julia Bradbury, this year.  

Our latest survey, released for National Walking Month, found that nearly one in three women say a lack of time prevents them from walking more. It also revealed that women are more likely than men to be going for a walk because they are running a family errand. And that women are nearly twice as likely as men to be put off walking more by a lack of safe places to walk nearby. 

Here's what Julia and other supporters of the campaign had to say:

A quote from Julia Bradbury reads “As a mum and a woman recovering from cancer, walking has been an absolute lifeline for my physical and mental health. “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!”
A quote from Lilian Greenwood reads “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."
A quote from Chris Boardman reads: 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.”

#NationalWalkingMonth on social media

Stories from National Walking Month