Get your walking shoes on and celebrate National Walking Month this May!

Walking for All is a new community walking programme led by Outscape and supported by PEACEPLUS, it offers free, regular walks in rural communities across Northern Ireland and border counties.

National Walking Month takes place every year throughout May and encourages people to walk more, as a simple, powerful way to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and connect with neighbours. 

The campaign reports that people who walk regularly reflect being happier and less anxious and have a stronger sense of community when walking. 

Since its launch in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, Walking for All is already making a difference.

Colleen Martin, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Walking for All Officer, has been working with local communities to establish free, welcoming walking groups right on people's doorsteps, which are led by trained, Walk Leaders from within those communities.

The walks take place every week, and last from 10 minutes to 1 hour, and are open to adults of all ages and abilities. 

Colleen Martin, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Walking for All Officer said;

"National Walking Month is the perfect moment for anyone in the Causeway Coast and Glens area to take that first step with us.

“Our walks are completely free, they happen every week, right in your own community and they're open to everyone, whatever your age or ability.

For me, it’s the mental health and social side that really stands out. Knowing there’s a group there each week to walk and talk with can make a big difference, and it’s lovely to see friendships forming along the way.

“You’re also getting that bit of physical activity in without even realising it, people often say they don’t notice how far they’ve walked because they’re busy chatting. I'd love to see more people join us this May."

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, for Outscape and Walking for All added; "We hope National Walking Month inspires people right across the Causeway Coast and Glens area to step out and discover what Walking for All is all about.”

Walks already established:

Meet & Miles, Bushmills — Mondays at 10:30am, meeting at Bushmills Presbyterian Church

Nuns Walk, Portstewart — Tuesdays at 7:00pm, meeting at Witches Hat, Portstewart Promenade

The Mill Walk, Cloughmills — Fridays at 12:00pm, meeting at Old Mill Site, Cloughmills

To search for a walk, register for the programme or find out how to become a Walk Leader, visit www.walkingforall.com