Tag: Harbour Homes tenants

The Leith Legends walk the ‘Final Mile’ of their 3,070-mile journey ahead of the men’s FIFA World Cup

A group of sheltered housing tenants known as the ‘Leith Legends’ (aged 60-95) have reached the end of their 3,070-mile walking challenge. They walked their final mile starting at the top of the Royal Mile and ending at the Scottish Parliament Building yesterday (Thursday 11 June).

The group has been attempting to walk the distance from Edinburgh to Boston ahead of Scotland’s first match at the men’s FIFA World Cup this weekend. Their journey began in January with a walk around the pitch at Easter Road Stadium, adorned with Scotland flags and team T-shirts.

The ‘March to the Match’ will be the longest journey attempted by tenants who have previously walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End (1,280 miles), from Alloway to Dumfries in the footsteps of Robert Burns (60 miles), and the North Coast 500 (500 miles).

Maureen Combe who leads the Sheltered Housing Team at Harbour Homes said: “The Leith Legends have come a long way since their first walk at Easter Road Stadium.

2They have been steadfast in their commitment to reaching their goal, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved. To have walked their final mile on the first day of the World Cup, when thousands of Scotland fans set off on their adventures, just adds to the excitement of it all.”

Leith Legend Anne McBrierty said: “The challenge has meant that I’ve been walking a lot more than I usually do and I’m hoping to keep it up after it’s over.

“I’ve enjoyed it all and my favourite group walk was around the grounds of Lauriston Castle.”

Leith Legend Betty Lewis said: “I’ve enjoyed all the different walks we’ve been on too, the Botanics, Portobello and Easter Road Stadium.

“For me Lauriston Castle was a favourite. I too hope to keep up with the walking now that the challenge is finished.”

The Leith Legends have been counting their steps walked, both as a group at locations around Edinburgh, and as individuals looking to keep fit.

They have successfully walked a combined distance of just over 3,070 miles in 140 days, at a pace of around 22 miles per day.

Leith sheltered housing tenants take on 1,280-mile walking challenge

A group of 26 tenants living in Leith have walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End on paths around north Edinburgh. The group challenge recreated all the steps of the famous route over six weeks.

The walk was inspired by the success of the group’s virtual NC500 walk during lockdown in 2020. Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators recognised the benefits of a group challenge to promote movement for mental health.

The group exceeded the target distance by travelling over 1,280 miles on foot. This equates to over three million steps in six weeks.

Ellen who joined the walk said: “The virtual walking group was a great incentive to get up every morning and walk instead of sitting watching TV.

“I started to feel better about myself.”

Craig enjoyed the challenge and said: “It showed how much effort everyone put into the challenge.

“It was very worthwhile.”

Michael added: “I liked the challenge, it was really good for the body and mind.

“I really enjoy the walking group and catching up with everyone.”

Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “There would be no challenge without our tenants, and we are very proud of the dedication shown by the walking group this summer.

“It is well known that one of the best things we can do to look after our mental health is to move regularly, and the benefits increase when we move as part of a group.

“I’m eager to see what our tenants accomplish next!”

Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators plan to keep the momentum going with more walking activities and challenges throughout the year.