COVID-safe Walk It walks resume across the Borders

Published: 28th May 2021

group of people standing outside in front of statue, blue sky behind them
The Eymeouth Walk It group

The Scottish Borders Walking for Health project, Walk It is delighted to be able to resume their popular weekly walks after the recent lockdown.

Walk It walks are part of the Paths for All network and provide low level walks that last around 60 minutes and finish up with refreshments. They are free, accessible to all, social, safe and led by a qualified walk leader. This makes them ideal for anyone looking to be more active, feel fitter, enjoy time outdoors and make new friends.

All walks have been approved to run during Covid-19 with leaders trained in all relevant Paths for All, Council and Scottish Government guidance to ensure the safety of everyone taking part.

New walks added

The project has also added several new walks to those already available including:

  • Stow (Tuesdays at 12.30pm and Thursdays at 10.30am)
  • Kelso (Fridays at 11am)
  • Walkerburn - dementia friendly (Wednesdays at 10am).

New Walk It Easy routes now available

Two Walk it Easy routes aimed at people with a disability or long term health condition are now available:

  • Galashiels (Thursdays at 10.30am)
  • Kelso (Fridays at 11am).

These are shorter and cover easier terrain to accommodate people who may have a walking aid, wheelchair or mobility scooter. They are also suitable for people who may have lower levels of fitness post-lockdown and are supported by two Walk It leaders wherever possible.

Get a full list of all the walks available

A full list of the walks is available on the Walk It pages of our website. You can also contact the Walk It Co-ordinator on 01835 826702 or at: walkit@scotborders.gov.uk

Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Adult Wellbeing

“With all the challenges that COVID has brought us, being able to get out into the fresh air and take some much needed exercise is more important than ever. Our Walk It walks are extremely popular for all the benefits they bring and it is great news that they have been able to resume after the most recent period of lockdown.”

Fiona Doig, Head of Health Improvement/Strategic Lead – ADP

“Regular physical activity is an important part of living well and taking part in a Walk It walk brings many benefits, from being active to experiencing valuable social time with others which has been missing for many of us in recent months. It's great to hear of new walks starting as well as the ongoing commitment of our volunteer walk leaders to restarting existing ones.”

More information