Go for a Wee Walk!

Wee Walks Week is almost upon us once again (3 – 9 September) and at the Cairngorms National Park Authority we want to see as many people as possible taking part.

Some may ask “is it worthwhile” or “what’s in it for me” but the reality is, it’s always worth going for a wee walk and you are definitely worth it!

The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest National Park and has some of the best short, low level walks in the country so we are spoilt for choice as to where to go for a wee walk. There is simply nothing stopping us all from getting out there and enjoying a short stroll with friends, colleagues or neighbours.

David Clyne, Recreation & Access Manager at the CNPA said: “Walking has been described as possibly the best form of exercise – it’s as good for the body as it is for the mind. It is free and can be done almost anywhere. For adults the minimum recommendation from doctors – to help keep you healthy and prevent illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes – is 150 minutes of activity a week. Break this down and it works out to only 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You could even break that down into chunks of 10 or 15 minutes and spread them out over the day. That makes the 150 minutes target really achievable for most people.”

CNPA board member Carolyn Caddick commented: “While we encourage everyone to get out and about during Wee Walks Week, we hope that this regular celebration of our best wee walks may trigger a regular walking habit from people who would particularly benefit. And if you don’t fancy organising your own Wee Walk, you could try a Ranger-guided walk or one of the many Health Walks that are running in the Cairngorms National Park. The benefits of a wee but brisk walk everyday are numerous from increased physical fitness and greater ease in performing everyday physical activities to improved mood and quality of life.”

If all of this sounds good to you, then please pledge to get out and do a wee walk in Wee Walks Week. You will find out lots more information on where to go, on Health Walks, ranger activities and much more on the CNPA website

And we would love to hear from you about what your favourite Wee Walks in the Park are? Share your suggestions and photos on Twitter and Facebook using #WeeWalksWeek.