National walking challenge is returning for Spring

  • Step up for better health this spring
  • How one participant found motivation through movement

A NATIONAL walking challenge is returning this spring, inspiring people across Scotland to improve their wellbeing by increasing their daily step count.

The spring Step Count Challenge, led by walking charity Paths for All, runs from Monday, 5th May to Sunday, 29th June, offering a fun and social way for teams to stay active during the working day.

Past participants have reported benefits including improved mental health, stronger social connections, and increased daily movement – many return year after year to take on the challenge.

For Fiona, from team Strideclyders For Life, the Step Count Challenge has become a workplace tradition. Having taken part in five challenges, she was recognised as a runner-up in the 2024 autumn Step Count Champion competition by Paths for All, with colleagues nominating her for her commitment and motivation.

“My job is mostly desk-based, so I have to motivate myself to get outside—whether it’s a pre-work walk, a lunchtime stroll, or even just climbing the leaderboard. Having teammates makes all the difference, especially in the winter months,” said Fiona, who works in the Alumni and Development Department at the University of Strathclyde.

“My favourite type of walk is a brisk one along the beach. I’m from Kinross-shire, so some of my top spots are St Andrews, Aberdour, and the East Neuk of Fife, though I’ve also enjoyed some stunning beach walks on the west coast.”

Fiona has encouraged dozens of colleagues to get involved, particularly new team members, helping them connect while staying active. A highlight for her was creating a video for the team’s Instagram (@unistrathclydealumni), featuring their favourite walking routes.

The Step Count Challenge invites teams of five—including workplaces, friends, and families—to log their steps and engage in friendly competition while working towards personal and team goals.

The challenge offers more than just physical activity—it supports workplace wellness by reducing stress, improving productivity, and promoting safer, cleaner, and greener work environments through reduced carbon emissions and decreased car use.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, highlights the benefits of taking part: “Walking is one of the most accessible ways to improve both physical and mental health. Fiona’s story is a perfect example of how small, daily changes can have a big impact.

“The challenge is a fantastic way to build healthy habits, reduce stress, and support Scotland’s journey towards a greener, healthier future.”

To encourage participation, an early bird discount is available until Monday, 31st March. Teams can sign up for £48 instead of £60 by using the voucher code SPRING25 at checkout.

Paths for All, which works with the Scottish Government and partner organisations , is committed to promoting walking as the default choice for short journeys and supporting local authorities in creating inclusive, active environments.

More information and registration details for the Spring Step Count Challenge can be found at www.stepcount.org.uk.

Edinburgh Businesses Urged to Walk After Nationwide Challenge Success

– Successful Step Count Challenge encourages organisations to get walking –

BUSINESSES in Edinburgh are being encouraged to get their staff walking more and sitting less with the help of tailor-made challenges from Scotland’s walking charity.

Paths for All is inviting organisations of all shapes and sizes to set-up their own bespoke walking challenge to keep their workforce active and connected to their colleagues as Scotland eases out of lockdown.

During May, over 4000 furloughed and home workers participated in a special nationwide edition of the charity’s Step Count Challenge, with over 90 per cent of participants saying the motivation of the challenge helped them cope better with the Covid-19 restrictions.

Now, the charity is encouraging businesses to run in-house challenges so their staff can get active and stay connected with colleagues in a fun and interactive way whether working at home or in the office.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Our special lockdown edition of the Step Count Challenge was one of our most successful, with over 930 teams from across Scotland taking part. The vast majority of participants reported feeling much better for it and are planning to continue being more active during the working day in their ‘new normal’.

“The lockdown has reinvigorated many to get out and enjoy the outdoors – and surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK.

“Our hope is that we can build on this success by working with even more organisations to create a workplace walking culture and hence a happier and healthier workforce.”

The bespoke Step Count Challenge is made up of teams of five and has one simple aim of encouraging people to walk more to feel happier and healthier, with participants having access to leader boards, goal setting and team chat to keep them motivated and connected. 

Businesses can register a team of five for just £30 – and can customise their own challenges with tailored branding and personalised messaging.

More information about bespoke Step Count Challenges, can be found by visiting https://www.stepcount.org.uk/bespoke-step-count-challenges

Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and active travel initiatives.

The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in.

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: pathsforall.org.uk

Charity launches new award to get Scotland’s workforce moving

A Scottish charity has launched a new accreditation that aims to reverse the trend of inactive workplaces. Paths for All has created the Walk at Work Award to reward employers across the country who are encouraging everyday walking in their workplace. Continue reading Charity launches new award to get Scotland’s workforce moving