Walking Scotland, your national walking and wheeling charity
LENZIE, SCOTLAND – APRIL 30: A Walking Scotland Health Walk, on April 30, 2026, in Lenzie, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
Walking Scotland is the charity that helps make walking and wheeling a part of everyday life. We promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social and mental health.
We use the words walking and wheeling to represent the action of moving at a pedestrian’s pace, whether or not someone is unaided or using any kind of wheeled mobility aid. This includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames, prams or buggies.
Our programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. We also improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.
We’re an advocate for making walking and wheeling inclusive. We work with partners and local communities to reduce barriers. This ensures everyone has the chance to walk or wheel everywhere they go.
The Walking Network supports and trains individuals, groups and organisations to provide short, free, accessible Health Walks. Health Walks are local, safe, accessible group walks that are regular and free to attend. They are led by trained walk leaders along risk assessed routes.
Walking and wheeling as a group helps us build social connections that often blossom into friendship. This is something that Caroline, a regular Health Walk attendee, experienced. Caroline started attending Health Walks 3 years ago after becoming a carer for her husband. Being a carer can sometimes be isolating, so Health Walks are the chance for Caroline to connect with others in her community. She said, “It’s fantastic to have people you can talk to about your worries. Walking, and the walking group, has given me that.”
We’re exploring working with link workers across Scotland to signpost more people to Health Walks for the physical, social and mental benefits. We’re looking forward to chatting with link workers about the best way to build awareness and improve signposting opportunities.
This September, we’re marking 30 years of Walking Scotland. To celebrate the power of walking and wheeling, we’re inviting Scotland to join us for the Biggest Walking Break. On Wednesday 30 September at 10.30am, step out for a 30 minute walk or wheel with your community and feel the difference. Find out more at walkingscotland.org.uk
