Moving On

Guidance Note

6

To help active walkers progress onto continued physical activities – thereby maintaining or increasing their physical activity levels and meeting the physical activity guidelines.

Natural ProgressionOne of the aims of Paths for All is to provide even the most inactive of people with the opportunity to start walking. Once a walker has begun to make progress, it is helpful if their health walk project can provide information on other walking opportunities as well as other appropriate types of physical activity to enable progression from basic health walks to other activities. These will include longer walks as well as a range of appropriate indoor and outdoor activities.

“I can now walk uphill effortlessly - when I joined walking group I dreaded if a route took us up a slope. Now I walk to the village every day.’’Walker, Deeside and Donside Walking for Health Project

It can be a real challenge for health walk project co-ordinators to encourage capable walkers to ‘move on’, but this is a logical progression for active walkers. The individual walker will benefit from this natural evolution, and in addition their moving on will free-up a place within the health walk group for a new inactive person the opportunity to start to appreciate the health benefits of walking.

“Instead of taking the bus or car, I would try to walk to places. Over time, I found I had much more energy, lost weight, and felt good.”

By being more active, this person also achieved their goal of walking the West Highland Way – something they thought would always be out of their reach. Participant, Bums off Seats

Independent WalkingIt will be of benefit to your walkers and the wider local community if you can promote independent walking as a cost effective and sustainable way of increasing physical activity.

Many people may not consider joining a group but wish to walk on their own or with family and friends. Your project can help such people to get started by providing clear, easy to read information on where to walk and points of interest. For example, WalkMoray have produced walking route maps that are easy to use.

For more information about encouraging people to walk independently and producing leaflets and maps which show short, local walking routes see the PFA resource: Promoting Independent Walking

Mapping websites can be useful to find walks in your area, whilst some also give the opportunity to input your own favourite routes; for example see:PhototrailsVisitWoods

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Nordic WalkingNordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking. Walkers use poles which mean that the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs. The Nordic Walking technique needs to be learned correctly from a registered trainer if the walker isto get the most out of the activity. Some health walk projects including Active Stirling and Step Forth in Falkirk have added Nordic Walking to their programme of walks.

“Another memorable day. Beautiful unexplored stretch of the River Dee – interesting wildlife. Great leadership and great company.” Walker, COAT Walking Project

More information from: Nordic Walking UK; British Nordic Walking

Active ScotlandActive Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative to encourage people to ‘Get active, have fun, and feel good’. It’s a website that can help you find a range of activities taking place near you. Simply enter your town or postcode on the Active Scotland website for more information.

‘’Now I walk or cycle to the village every day. I can easily manage walking uphill. I have high blood pressure but am on less medication than before.’’Mary, COAT Walking Project

Ramblers ScotlandRamblers Scotland has local walking groups around the country. Find out about walks in your area.

jogscotlandjogscotland has 390 jogging groups across Scotland. Find a local jogscotland group in your community.

Local Sports CentresProvide information on a range of indoor and outdoor activities happening around your area.

“One of our Monday walkers has decided to take another walker for swimming lessons!”Project Co-ordinator, Step Forth

Community Sports HubsA collective of local sports clubs offering sporting opportunities in communities. To find your local hub, check SportScotland’s website for details

Green Exercise Green exercise describes physical activity in natural outdoor settings such as parks, nature reserves and the countryside. It includes:

• walking and relaxation • outdoor learning and play • recreation and sport • practical conservation • gardening • active travel • rehabilitation and recovery

Projects which promote green exercise for its health benefits are now quite common throughout Scotland, and examples can be found here.

”I have started taking care of the garden again now when I feel fitter”. Stirling Walking Network Participant

In 2007, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and NHS Health Scotland established the Green Exercise Partnership ‘to promote better health and quality of life for people in Scotland through greater use of the outdoors for physical activity and contact with nature’. This work is being taken further by developing the concept of a ‘Natural Health Service’ to complement our current National Health Service

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Green GymGreen Gym is a scheme run by the The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) which inspires people to improve their health and the environment at the same time. Experienced leaders guide participants through a range of practical projects, giving them the opportunity to tackle physical jobs in the outdoors – improving strength and stamina, boosting practical skills and confidence and benefitting local green spaces. For more information see: Green Gym

Community Path Groups – ‘Local People Local Paths’Paths for All support local groups who wish to create and improve local path networks in their area. Paths for All’s website provides more information and how you can get involved.

Other potential walking and activity opportunitiesMost Local authority Countryside Ranger Service’s provide a range of guided walks and opportunities to get active in the outdoors. Obtain their contact details from your council website.

Scottish Natural Heritage • ‘Simple pleasures, easily found’ – gives walking and other activity ideas in and around the main Scottish cities

• National Nature Reserves – many have waymarked walks and a programme of ranger led guided walks

Discover Scotland’s Great TrailsTry a short section of one of the trails, with the opportunity to build up to longer sections or maybe the whole trail? Never a bad thing to have a target in mind!Discover Scotland’s Great Trails

Forestry Commission ScotlandThe forestry estate around the country has marked trails, offering miles of potential adventure and activities.Forestry Commission Scotland website

National Trust for ScotlandMany of their properties offer a variety of recreational opportunities including walking. In addition the ranger service organise guided walks and other activities.National Trust for Scotland Website

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There are 8 Paths For All Guidance Notes in this series:

1. The Case For Walking2. Planning Your Project3. Working With Volunteers4. Monitoring & Evaluation5. Marketing & Promotion6. Moving On7. Recruitment8. Using Text Messages to Motivate Walkers

Our contact details

Paths for All Forrester LodgeTullibody RoadAlloa FK10 2HU

01259 218 888www.pathsforall.org.uk

Paths for All is a partnership organisation; for a full list of our current partners please visit our website www.pathsforall.org.uk

Paths for All Partnership is a recognised Scottish Charity No: SC025535 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No: 168554 incorporated 19 September 1996 at Companies House, Edinburgh. Registered Office: Office 8, Forrester Lodge, Tullibody Road, Alloa FK10 2HU.

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