What is National Walking Month?
National Walking Month is celebrated every May in the UK, aimed at promoting the benefits of walking. This month-long campaign encourages people of all ages to walk more, highlighting walking as an accessible form of exercise that improves physical health, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability. Organized by Living Streets, the charity behind the campaign, it focuses on initiatives like ‘Walk to Work Week’ and ‘Walk to School Week’ to motivate communities to adopt healthier, more active lifestyles by incorporating more walking into their daily routines.
History and Origin
National Walking Month was established by Living Streets to combat the sedentary lifestyle prevalent in modern society and to reconnect people with their environments. The campaign has roots in the broader movement towards promoting active transportation and public health. Over the years, it has successfully raised awareness about the simple act of walking as a gateway to improved health and a cleaner environment.
Who Celebrates National Walking Month?
- Schools: Participate by encouraging students and staff to walk to school and organizing walking field trips.
- Workplaces: Many workplaces promote walking meetings or challenges that track employees’ steps.
- Local Governments: Often support the campaign by improving pedestrian pathways and hosting community walks.
- Health and Environmental Groups: Use the month to promote the health and ecological benefits of walking.
- General Public: Individuals and families are encouraged to explore walking trails and parks in their communities.
Themes and Slogans
National Walking Month is driven by themes such as “Step Up for Health,” “Walk This Way to Wellbeing,” and “Every Step Counts,” emphasizing the personal and community benefits of walking. These slogans motivate individuals to move more and underscore the importance of walking for health and environmental reasons.
Colors, Symbols, and Patterns
- Colors: Green is commonly used, symbolizing health and the environment.
- Symbols: Footprints or shoe prints are often featured in promotional materials as symbols of walking and movement.
- Patterns: Maps and pathways are frequently used patterns, representing the journey and routes that can be explored on foot.
Most Used Hashtags
- #NationalWalkingMonth
- #WalkThisWay
- #StepUp
- #WalkToSchool
- #WalkToWork
How to Celebrate
- Participate in Walking Challenges: Engage in step-count challenges or organized walking events.
- Plan Daily Walks: Incorporate walks into your daily routine, whether for commuting or leisure.
- Explore New Routes: Discover new walking paths or scenic routes in your local area.
- Promote Walking Meetings: If applicable, encourage walking meetings at work to combine productivity with physical activity.
- Educate on Walking Benefits: Share information about the health and environmental benefits of walking through social media and community events.
National Walking Month is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to rediscover the joys and benefits of walking. Whether it’s a stroll through the park, a brisk walk to work, or a peaceful hike, every step taken is a step toward better health and a better world. Let’s lace up and step into a healthier future!