RESIDENTS across Argyll and Bute have clocked up more than 1.7 million steps as part of a national challenge encouraging people to get moving this summer.
People from the area joined more than 1,500 participants across Scotland for Walking Scotland’s free four-week Summer of Sport Step Count Challenge.
Together, participants across the country recorded more than 475 million steps during the challenge, which aimed to show how small changes to everyday routines can help people become more active.
Supported by Summer of Sport funding, the initiative encouraged participants to build healthier habits through simple daily movement, with people able to take part by walking, wheeling or using a mobility aid.
Walking Scotland, the charity which works to make walking and wheeling part of everyday life, said it was delighted by the response from communities across the country.
Organisers highlighted walking as one of the most affordable and accessible forms of physical activity, with even small increases in movement capable of benefiting physical and mental wellbeing.
Participant Harish signed up to motivate himself to become more active throughout the day and said taking part had made a noticeable difference.
He said: I’m more active, have more energy, and taking time to walk has helped me clear my mind and reduce stress.
For me, walking is about much more than getting steps in. It’s a chance to switch off, enjoy nature, improve my health, and take time for myself.
This challenge has shown me that staying active doesn’t have to be complicated.
Rachael Prothero, from Walking Scotland, said experiences such as Harish’s demonstrated what the initiative hoped to achieve.
She said: It’s fantastic to hear how the challenge has helped people enjoy a more active summer. Harish is spot on – staying active does not need to be complicated and the challenge proves that.
Being part of a team and enjoying some friendly competition can help us with motivation and consistency.
Walking Scotland runs its national Step Count Challenge twice a year, with the next challenge due to begin on Monday, October 12.
More information and details on how to sign up are available through the Walking Scotland website.
