£50m paths fund urged to boost walking as ‘best buy’ for public health

A £50 million fund to improve paths has been urged as part of the first walkers’ manifesto which has been launched for the Holyrood election.

Walking is the best activity to minimise inequalities, campaigners said. Picture: Paths for All

The joint “Walk Back Better” call was made by walking groups Living Streets Scotland, Paths for All and the Ramblers Association.

The manifesto’s goal is for Scotland to become a “healthier, cleaner, safer and happier walking nation”.

The groups said the £50m fund would develop both local and long-stance routes for walking and wheeling, including to protect popular mountains.

Walking can boost mental as well as physical health, experts said. Picture: Paths for All/SNS

They also called for reduced pavement clutter, better maintenance, pavement parking enforcement and a national 20mph speed limit in built-up areas.

Professor Nanette Mutrie, director of physical activity for health research at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Walking is the best buy for public health in terms of promotion of physical activity.

"It is the nearest activity to perfect exercise because it uses all the major muscle groups, balance and the core muscles, and we are mostly outside doing it.

"Walking – and wheeling – has the potential for the biggest reach into the population.

"It reaches all ages, we can do it for leisure or transport, and it is the most popular mode of activity.

"It is also the one that is most likely to minimise inequalities [such as affluence and age].

"There is also good evidence now that walking has mental health benefits”, including treating and preventing depression.”

BACKGROUND: Inside Transport – Walking has unexpected benefits but are you taking advantage?

Paths for All chief officer Ian Findlay said: “During lockdown, we have seen a rise in the number of people walking as many used it as a way to cope with the pressures of everyday life, to reach essential shops and services, and to connect with others and nature in a safe way.

"But we need to do more to make regular walking an enjoyable and accessible choice for everyone in Scotland, from all walks of life.

"By investing in walking programmes and safe, attractive places to walk we can significantly improve the nation’s health, reducing health inequalities and pressure on our NHS.”

Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “Communities that lack local facilities within walking distance have had challenges.

"That’s why we are calling for investment in everyday walking to build back better after the pandemic, and respond to the challenges of air pollution, climate change and Scotland's health record.”

Brendan Paddy, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Our joint manifesto makes a compelling case for investment to make walking safe and attractive for everyone in Scotland.“We believe walking can play a vital role in Scotland’s response to the challenges of Covid-19 and climate change - and the obesity, biodiversity and mental health crises we face."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the physical and mental health benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling which have been brought to the forefront even more during this challenging time.

“We are committed to investing in active travel infrastructure and behaviour change activities.

"Funding for walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, in addition to behavioural change programmes, is now at a record level of £100.5m.

The spokesperson said there were also plans for extra £50m for ‘active freeways’ - segregated walking and cycling routes.

The Scottish Government was also in the process of developing guidance to councils over the forthcoming implementation of the pavement parking ban.

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