The ‘Walk on Hebrides’ walking project was recently awarded £5625 by Paths for All through their Walking for Health Fund for the development of walking opportunities in the remote and rural communities of the Outer Hebrides.

The funding aims to increase the provision of group walks available across the islands and increase the number of walkers on group walks by providing Walk Leader training in North Uist and Harris. The project also aims to support new and established Walk Leaders by providing them with the opportunity to attend Strength and Balance exercise training, First Aid training and networking events.

Paths for All are a Scottish charity that champions walking for ‘Everyone. Everywhere. Everyday.’ The Walking for Health Fund aims to improve the wellbeing of walkers and reduce ill-health, increase the number of new walkers taking part in Health Walks in Scotland and the amount of physical activity undertaken by people in Scotland, especially those experiencing health inequalities.

The Walk on Hebrides project has been hosted by NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion Department for 14 years and has grown substantially over the past three years. The project has trained over 50 Walk Leaders since 2017 and currently offers 11 group walks across the Outer Hebrides with many more planned to launch soon.

Karen Peteranna, ‘Walk on Hebrides’ Coordinator said “The project has grown recently, thanks to the Walking for Health grant awarded to the project last year and the dedication of the project’s volunteer Walk Leaders. We identified North Uist and Harris as a focus for further growth this year. We’re thankful to Paths for All for recognising the need for further investment in walking opportunities across the islands.”

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Many congratulations to Walk on Hebrides on securing this funding which I hope will see many more people enjoying regular walking in the Western Isles.

“This project is just one of many to receive a grant from our Walking for Health fund. Throughout the country, organisations working at the community level have come up with a range of initiatives and ideas that are making it easier for people to join Health Walks and reduce health inequalities.

“This is an important step towards increasing the number of people walking in our communities which will, in turn, have a positive impact on health and wellbeing across Scotland.”

For further information contact Karen Peteranna, Walk on Hebrides Coordinator, tel. 01851 762015 or email: karen.peteranna@nhs.net