Join Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk to help disadvantaged people - Audrey McKinven

At Edinburgh Leisure, we are excited to team up with Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk 2021. This year’s event, which takes place between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 April, will see walkers lacing up to support their favourite causes.

The Virtual KIltwalk takes place between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 April

We are encouraging people to sign up to get active whilst raising funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which uses the power of physical activity and sport to change the lives of over 10,000 disadvantaged people in Edinburgh each year. The Hunter Foundation has generously agreed to top up all donations by 50 per cent, which means that we will receive £150 for every £100 you raise for our Active Communities programme.

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity committed to keeping people active and well. We are delighted to be involved in the Kiltwalk because we believe that walking is one of the simplest things you can do for your health and wellbeing. It can do wonders for your physical health and fitness, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, boost your energy levels and, what’s more, it’s fun!

My daily walks have brought me so much joy this year. They have helped me to form a routine throughout the lockdowns, got me outside for some much needed vitamin D whilst working from home, and have kept my family active while our usual activities have been cancelled.

As a qualified walk leader, I know that getting started with walking is often the part that people find hardest. Here are my top tips to get you going:

Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance or pace – one of the biggest reasons why people don’t stick to their physical activity goals is because they are unrealistic, so start small and leave yourself wanting more!

Catch up with a neighbour or friend and explore local paths together whilst following social distancing guidelines

Start by walking short journeys instead of taking the car

Wear comfortable shoes

Stick on your favourite playlist or listen to a podcast

Set a target – whether it’s a daily step count, a weekly mileage, or an event you want to complete

While many of us enjoy our daily walks, there are others who need a helping hand to weave physical activity into their lives. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle and that is why our Active Communities programme is committed to supporting people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities and poverty to get active.

Kiltwalkers who choose to support Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme will be making a real difference to people’s lives, from helping care experienced children to enjoy the active childhood they deserve to enabling people with dementia to keep active and maintain a good quality of life in later life.

Whether you choose to take on the challenge by yourself, with your children or virtually with colleagues, join us in our mission to change lives through physical activity and sport. Sign up to the Kiltwalk and support our Active Communities programme by going to https://bit.ly/35yUZHd and selecting Edinburgh Leisure as your charity of choice.

For more information about the Virtual Kiltwalk or supporting our Active Communities programme, contact Audrey McKinven at [email protected].

Audrey McKinven is a qualified Walk Leader and Fundraiser at Edinburgh Leisure