National Walking Month
National Walking Month in May is the ideal time to be outdoors in spring enjoying walking’s physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re walking for your health or as part of a fundraising challenge, there are options for everyone.
What is National Walking Month?
What are the health benefits of walking?
The natural beauty and wonder that gentle exercise outdoors so often provides is matched by the excellent health benefits it brings. According to the NHS, these include:
- Improving your heart health while reducing cholesterol levels and keeping off excess weight
- Lowering the risk of diseases and illnesses, including breast and bowel cancer
- Improving your mental health by reducing stress levels and making walking part of your daily routine either alone or with company
Regular exercise outdoors can also combat common conditions such as insomnia and stress. It does so by increasing blood flow, which helps oxygen and nutrients to move around the body. The release of natural chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins and dopamine help make your body feel more alert and resilient.
A 2023 University of Edinburgh review which looked at 17 separate studies found that walking outdoors helps lower stress levels and improve people’s mental health.
Hike for Macmillan
Whatever your fitness levels, there’s a walking challenge for everyone. With this year’s Macmillan Mighty Hikes already underway, you might like to consider signing up for next year. However you choose to do it, we can be with you every step of the way.
We have guides and resources to help you prepare for your walk, including training, tips on nutrition, what you might need to pack, and how to minimise the impact of your walk on the environment.
Walking if you are living with cancer
If you are living with cancer, gentle exercise can be a great way to maintain your fitness during or post treatment and boost your mental health. Before you do anything, it is very important to speak to your treatment team about what exercise you can safely take part in. Whether that’s alone or with company.
Read our answers to common questions about physical activity and cancer.
If you can take part in a gentle walk or something more challenging, there are plenty of options for you. You may wish to:
- See what local accessible walking groups there are in your area
- Talk to a friend or family member to see if they can come with you on walks in your local area
- Find out about 5K Your Way, a free community initiative which offers a supportive environment for people who want to take regular exercise.
Training essentials
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