Walking

Walking for better health

Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active and improve your health. You can walk anywhere in South Lanarkshire, at any time, and it suits all ages and fitness levels. Even small amounts make a difference, and you can build it into your daily routine. Aim for 150 minutes a week, but you can break this into shorter 10‑minute walks to fit your day.

Why walking helps

Regular walking can:

improve your heart health
help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
reduce the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and stroke
support your mental wellbeing
build strength and balance, helping to prevent falls as you get older

Easy ways to get started

You don’t need special equipment to begin. Try to:

walk part of your journey to work or school
leave the car at home for short trips
take the stairs instead of the lift
walk to local shops if you only need a few items
go out for a walk with family or friends in the evening
arrange a regular walk with a friend or colleague

You can also set goals to stay motivated, such as tracking your steps with a phone or wearable device, or joining a walking group.

Walks in your area

We offer a range of opportunities to help you get started, including health walks through Get Walking Lanarkshire.

There are also many places to enjoy walking locally, including:

parks and play areas
woodland and nature reserves
the Clyde Walkway and Clyde Valley

Find out more

Explore walking routes and local places to visit: