We recently commissioned a national opinion survey on walking and wheeling, the 'attitude survey', which examined the walking and wheeling behaviours and opinions of adults in Scotland.

As well as identifying the population’s walking and wheeling behaviours and habits, the survey looks into what motivates people, what barriers and challenges people face to walking or wheeling more, and what people would they like to see in their local area to make it more accessible and appealing for walking and wheeling.

The research was conducted by market research agency 56 Degree Insight and surveyed 1000 adults in Scotland, using a representative sample of the population.

But why is it important to carry out research and collect data such as this? What is the value of this research and having this data? What barriers and challenges do different people in Scotland face to walking more? And what do people want to see for the future in their local areas?

In this episode of Voices of the Walk, we’re joined by Duncan Stewart from 56 Degree Insight and Ewa Monteith-Hodge, our information and data monitoring officer, to discuss some of these topics.

They also discuss some of the findings that stood out for them and some of the changes from the survey results in 2019; as well as how the data can be used for our work at Paths for All and wider contexts of planning, health, active travel, communications campaigns, housing, and path networks.

You can read the full report here, and see a summary infographic of the results here.

If you want to find out more about 56 Degree Insight you can visit their website here.

You can contact us at Paths for All here.

In this episode of Voices of the Walk, Valerie Carson from Paths for All’s Walking for Health team speaks with Mandy Williams, Volunteer Coordinator at SWAN Autism (Scotland), previously known as SWAN (Scottish Women’s Autism Network).

SWAN Autism (Scotland) was established in 2012 and is an autistic-led charity delivering services, information and support for and by autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland.

Paths for All and SWAN Autism (Scotland) have been working in partnership over the past year to look at ways of making walking more accessible for people who are autistic.

This conversation was recorded in February 2024 in Stirling at Paths for All’s office. Mandy and Valerie discuss the work of SWAN Autism (Scotland), the challenges faced by autistic people accessing opportunities to be active as well as own Mandy’s personal experiences of joining sports clubs.

Mandy and Valerie also talk about the Health Walk group that SWAN Autism (Scotland) established with support from Paths for All and Valerie, and the toolkit that has been produced to inform and support other Health Walk groups to be more inclusive and welcoming to autistic people.

You can find out more about the work of SWAN Autism (Scotland) here and you can contact them directly at info@swanscotland.org

You can download the Step by Step: Creating Autism-Inclusive Health Walks toolkit here

Employers are facing new challenges and opportunities around how to reduce sedentary behaviour and prolonged periods of desk time. The Office for National Statistics found 44% of people reported home or hybrid working, with 56% travelling to the workplace. 46% of those returning to working in the office were reportedly unable to work from home, with the remaining 10% choosing to work from the office, but able to work from home if they wished.

The UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day for adults. However, many of us don’t yet meet this target.

Promoting physical activity during the working day can offer incredible benefits to both employer and employee including improved physical health and mental wellbeing, reduced sick days, and increased productivity. Importantly, encouraging activities around movement can boost social cohesion amongst staff, and alleviates stress and anxiety.

Launched in 2018, our Walk at Work Award is an accreditation scheme which recognises and celebrates the hard work and efforts of employers across Scotland to encourage physical activity in and around the working day. We offer support to workplaces who want to make positive changes in their working culture around three key themes - a healthier workforce, a greener workforce, and an active workforce.

In this episode we welcome Sarah Turner, Development Officer in our Workplaces team. Sarah, who manages the Walk at Work Award scheme and our national Step Count Challenges, offers valuable insight into what the Award involves, and how to take part.

We're also joined by Katrina Schofield, Sustrans Workplace Engagement Officer for NHS Grampian and Morven Sambrook, Physiotherapist whom together with the Healthy Working Lives group at Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen achieved their own Walk at Work Award by encouraging staff and patients to find new ways to stay physically active throughout the day. They explore how the Award has benefitted the physical, mental and social wellbeing of staff at the Royal Cornhill Hospital.

Find out more about our Walk at Work Award here.