Almost a third of people wouldn’t consider walking for more than 20 minutes

As the Ramblers get ready for their short walks festival (3 – 10 May), the results of a YouGov survey have revealed an alarming 33% of people in the North West would not consider walking for more than 20 minutes when planning a journey.

The survey also discovered that only 38% of adults surveyed in the North West are walking more than the recommended amount and more than a quarter of people (28%) are only walking, on average, for an hour or less per week. With such shocking results, the Ramblers are calling for people to park their cars and get out more on foot.

One in four of the adult population are currently classed as physically inactive. This has severe health consequences, so it is crucial that people start taking steps towards a more active lifestyle.

The Ramblers know walking is the simplest solution to tackling this physical inactivity pandemic and are encouraging people to take to their feet during Get Walking Week.

Daniel Lotockyj said: “I would walk. I have had to walk long distances in the past. I quite enjoy walking to be honest. I wouldn’t chose to walk over getting public transport but I have no problem with walking if I have to.”

David McDonald said: “I would prefer to get public transport but I would walk if I had to. I walked into town the other day because it was a nice day and that was about twenty minutes and it didn’t bother me.”

Adam Farrand said: “Yes I would walk even if it was twenty minutes or more. I tend to be on a strict schedule with work so I don’t often have time to wait for public transport and would much rather walk.”

Benedict Southworth, chief executive of the Ramblers, said: “Walking is such an easy way for people to meet the recommended guidelines of getting 150 minutes of exercise per week, so it’s really worrying that inactivity levels are so high.

“During Get Walking Week we are asking people in the North West to think about how they can walk more. Making short journeys on foot is an easy way to incorporate physical activity into everyday life - rather than automatically jumping in the car or on the bus, use your feet instead.

“To help people take their first steps we are offering hundreds of free short walks during Get Walking Week. You don’t need any special equipment to join in, so find a walk near you and walk towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.”

Ramblers groups will be leading walks across Great Britain for everyone to enjoy and Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walk schemes, run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, will also be inviting people to walk, to help them get walking and keep walking.

The Rochdale Ramblers regularly hold walks during weekdays and weekends for people to get involved with and during the summer months, will often organise coach trips to go further a field for walks.