It’s easy to make walking a daily habit – leave the car at home when you go to the local shops or get off the bus to work a stop early and finish the rest of the journey on foot.
For families, swapping school runs in the car for ones on foot – or even parking an extra five minutes from the gates and walking together the rest of the way – can help kids and parents start the day feeling healthier and happier.
A small change can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing as well as to local air quality and environment.
Town centres, waterfronts and country lanes: there are hundreds of places to walk all over the Liverpool City Region.
Finding someone to walk with could be as simple as asking your co-workers to join you for a lunchtime stroll. But there’s a whole community of walkers across the Liverpool City Region, with local groups to join in every borough. Find out more about walking groups in your area:
Halton
Knowsley
Liverpool
Merseyside’s Red Rope Longer Walks
Sefton
Sefton Active Strollers Walking Group
St Helens
St Helens and District Rambling Club
Wirral
Practical advice on how to make the most of your next walk, wherever that is.
Walk at a steady and manageable pace, particularly if you’re going for a longer a walk. It’s almost always more tiring than you think it’s going to be.
Try to wear thick, comfortable socks and good lightweight shoes with good support. Check the weather forecast and try to wear clothes to match. In the summer, remember your sunscreen and a hat.
Whether you’re walking to your local high street to pick up some shopping or going for a long hike in the country, try using a backpack to transport what you need – that way the weight is more evenly distributed and it’ll be easier to carry.
Drinking water before and after you have a walk is really important. And if it’s a longer walk, or it’s hot outside, try to take some water with you.
National walking charity Living Streets have a useful website with more information on the benefits of walking and campaigns to encourage more people to travel to work and school on foot.