Ramblers urge people to join group walks to guard against festive loneliness
While Christmas adverts bombard us with images of cosy family scenes and social gatherings, new research by the Ramblers shows a different picture, with about one in seven adults (14%)1surveyed in Scotland feeling lonelier during the festive season.
The walking charity is encouraging anyone who might be feeling isolated or lonely this Christmas to join one of its free group walks during its annual Festival of Winter Walks from 21stDecember to 6th January, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The 54 Ramblers groups in Scotland are offering a selection of sociable festive walks, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the nation’s wonderful winter landscapes and make new friends along the way.
Following the Scottish Government this year publishing its draft strategy for tackling loneliness and social isolation, a new survey commissioned by the Ramblers shows that the festive season can exacerbate such feelings.
More than a quarter (27%) of people in Scotland surveyed by the Ramblers said that they would be spending all or some of the holiday period alone.
Meanwhile, Ramblers’ research also showed that in Scotland:
- More than four in ten adults (42%) surveyed in Scotland said that if they were feeling lonely during the festive season and wanted to meet new people, an outdoor group activity like walking would appeal as a way to meet new people
- 8% of people said they were worried about not getting out of the house during the festive season
- Overall in Britain, 21% of those who said they felt lonelier during the festive season said that it was because there were fewer opportunities to get out and meet new people during the festive season, and 45% said it was because of the pressure to be happy at Christmas.
Jess Dolan, Ramblers Scotland’s director, said: “We know that the festive season can be a particularly difficult time for people who are feeling isolated or lonely. Getting involved in the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks offers you an exciting chance to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of exercising in nature, in the company of a welcoming, supportive group of people.”
More than 50 Festival of Winter Walks events in Scotland include:
- A refreshing four-mile Christmas-themed walk on 27 December in the beautiful countryside near Moffat
- A chance to walk off mince pies on an eight-mile loop via the Forth Bridge to Dalmeny on 29 December
- A leisurely five-mile stroll along the River Tay in Perth on 29 December
- A ‘New Year Heritage Walk’ through Glasgow East End on 5 January
As the scale of the loneliness epidemic becomes increasingly clear, with loneliness linked to heightened risk of depression, Alzheimers3 and coronary heart disease4, this year’s Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks is focusing on the social side of walking and the importance of meaningful social contact.
Kim Leadbetter, Jo Cox Foundation ambassador, said: “I am passionate about the role of physical activity in addressing the issue of loneliness, and walking is a brilliant way of connecting people.
“Along with the physical benefits of getting out and walking there are huge psychological and social benefits too. I am delighted that The Ramblers is promoting Winter Walks as a way of bringing people together during the festive season when, as their research shows, many of us can feel lonely. Great work Ramblers!”
Hazel Johnstone, senior programme manager at People’s Postcode Lottery, based in Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their Festival of Winter Walks, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking and help tackle loneliness over the festive season.”
During the Festival of Winter Walks, supported by players of Peoples Postcode Lottery, Ramblers groups across the country are offering everything from short festive strolls to more strenuous hikes.
To find a winter walk near you, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winter.
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