Walk The Walk – Change Lives With Every Step

Edinburgh Leisure is calling on the public to lace up their walking shoes, don their tartan and join them for a cause that truly matters – helping older adults in Edinburgh stay active, connected, and happy.

On Saturday, 14th September 2025, a team from Edinburgh Leisure will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, walking to raise vital funds to support older adults across the city – and they want you to join them.

Every step taken and every pound raised will go directly towards improving the lives of older people – not just funding a project but making a real difference to real people.

The money raised will support participants of Ageing Well, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which offers a lifeline of physical activity and social connection to older adults across the city.

Last year, almost 80 participants joined the Edinburgh Leisure Kiltwalk Team and raised £17,500, enabling the delivery of the 2024-25 project. This year they’re aiming for £15,000 to keep this life-changing work going.  Every penny (plus gift aid) goes directly to Ageing Well.

All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.

Rachael McCrae, Head of Funding for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Many people don’t realise we’re a charity. Ageing Well supports older adults in Edinburgh to stay active and stay connected.

“It’s led by a fantastic team which includes many older adult volunteers and offers walking, cycling, gardening, buddy swimming and more. Like many charities with reduced funding, we’re feeling the pinch!  Every pound raised will help keep this going – and with your Kiltwalk steps, you’ll get active too!”

The Kiltwalk has three walk lengths, which can be signed up, with the 50% reduced registration for: 

  • The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £13.00 £6.50 for adults, £7.00 £3.50 for children 

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 14,700 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active– people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.

Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event. 

To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.

To find out more about the Kiltwalk, click here.

Ageing Well The Nordic Way

Ageing Well is looking for participants interested in joining a new 6-week Beginner Introductory Nordic Walking course, which they will be introducing in August. 

The Ageing Well Project is run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life. The emphasis is on meeting new people whilst making physical activity accessible and enjoyable.

The six-week course will start in August on a date to be decided, depending on interest and is delivered by a Nordic Walking UK trained instructor.  It is likely the sessions will take place every Wednesday, starting at 10.00 am.

Participants will meet at Saughton Park and would be expected to attend the first four sessions which introduces the use of Nordic poles and covering the skills and techniques of Nordic walking. Each session will last 1-hour, and poles will be provided if people do not already have their own.

The final two weeks of the 6-week course, participants will put into practice their newfound skills by going out on a walk in the local area turning a walk into a workout. Nordic Walking can help aid recovery if the participant has had an injury or prevent injury by improving strength and fitness and it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Ageing Well activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities and all activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves.

Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This new course will complement our already popular regular walks which take place in different locations around the city each week. It’s for anyone who would like to try a new activity, meet some like-minded people, and get physically active.”

“Nordic walking origins are Finnish with more than 10 million people globally enjoying this outdoor activity. The evidence shows that you can burn around 20% more calories compared to conventional walking. The use of poles means the effort is divided across the upper and lower body, so it feels easier, particularly when walking uphill.”

Ageing Well relies on external funding and donations to deliver its programmes across Edinburgh. A donation of £3 per week is therefore appreciated for this activity. This can be paid online in one go or each week. People’s generous support means Edinburgh Leisure can provide a range of activities to reach more older adults in need of their support, protecting their health and wellbeing and improving their quality of life. 

In 2018 the Ageing Well programme was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE. The award reflects the tremendous contribution of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well volunteers and the positive difference they make to the lives of participants. 

To find out more and/or to register your interest in joining the initial 4-week introductory course, contact active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 0131 458 2260

For more information:  www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/be-active/ageing-well

Edinburgh Leisure: Buddy Swimming

Buddy Swimming is a great way to regain confidence and get back in the water.

Our volunteers are experienced and ensure you have support to get in the water confidently. Afterwards, we gather for a cuppa – the perfect end to our sessions!

Read more here https://edinburghleisure.co.uk/news/ageingwellcourses2023