Get Walking Lanarkshire hosts 31 health walks across Lanarkshire, each of which is short, social and led by friendly, trained volunteers.

Those already taking part have found health walks to be a great way to meet new people and enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of regular walking.

The activity has proved so popular that the project is seeking new volunteer leaders across Lanarkshire.

There are opportunities for people to volunteer across Lanarkshire, but particularly in Rutherglen, Cambuslang, East Kilbride, Blantyre, Hamilton, Stonehouse, Carluke, Symington and Abington in South Lanarkshire, while North Lanarkshire has places available in Cumbernauld, Coatbridge, Airdrie, View Park, Bellshill, Motherwell, Wishaw and Newmains.
Get Walking Lanarkshire is a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network, Scottish walking charity Paths for All’s accreditation scheme for safe, accessible, volunteer-led walks.

Kirsty Rankin, Walking for Health Manager at Paths for All, said: “We support more than 800 short, sociable and accessible low-level walks right across Scotland that are open to everyone and free of charge. However, they don’t happen by themselves and so the volunteers are the most integral part of the Health Walks.

“Regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life, and not just for the participants – 78% of walk leaders who have volunteered their time have reported an increase in their own confidence due to their role, while 80% have talked of gaining new skills.

“Anyone volunteering with a local Health Walk project will be given the opportunity to take part in our Walk Leader training to help them feel assured and ready to support people to walk more in their community, so anyone who in interested in becoming a walk leader will be welcome to contact us.”

Get Walking Lanarkshire is a partnership project between South Lanarkshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire and Paths for All.

The project aims to increase physical activity levels and improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Lanarkshire by offering free short and easy walks.

Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of Community and Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for people to help themselves and others through an excellent project.

“Volunteer walk leaders not only see their walkers’ confidence and fitness improve, which in itself is very rewarding, but will also reap the benefits themselves of taking part in a Health Walk. If you’re looking for fitness, friendship and fresh air, while at the same time supporting people in your community, then this is just the opportunity for you.”

Anyone wishing more information about volunteering as a walk leader can email Get Walking Lanarkshire or can call them on 07903 358424 or read about them online.