National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month, a time to celebrate the simple joy of walking and all the amazing benefits it has on your mind, body and planet.
This year, we’re excited to introduce our Small Steps to a Happier, Healthier You campaign. This campaign is all about making small, realistic changes to your daily routine to help you walk more and feel better. It’s not about drastic changes, but about finding little opportunities to walk more and enjoy the benefits on your health and happiness. Whether it’s enjoying a lunchtime stroll, replacing a short car journey with a walk, or choosing the stairs over the elevator, each small change can have a big impact.
Explore these useful links and local programmes to help you get walking more and take small steps to a happier, healthier you.
Resources:
Walk Leicester Festival
The Walk Leicester Festival takes place throughout May as part of National Walking Month. It’s a city-wide celebration featuring a series of free, guided group walks designed to help you discover new routes, connect with others, and enjoy being active. Whether you’re exploring green spaces or learning more about Leicester’s history, there’s something for everyone. Find out more and view the full programme of events.
Walking Maps
Get to know Leicester from a whole new perspective with our detailed walking maps. These maps guide you through the city’s best walking routes – from scenic parks to local landmarks – making it easy to build walking into your daily routine. Explore the walking maps and plan your next route here.
Live Well Leicester
Live Well Leicester supports people across the city to lead healthier, more active lives. Walking is a simple way to get started, and there are a range of programmes available to help you take that first step:
Buggy Walks
Join other parents and carers for friendly group walks with your buggies. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, meet new people, and stay active while spending time with your little one. Find out more about the buggy walks.
Steady Steps
Steady Steps is a programme of gentle exercise classes designed to help older adults over 65 improve their balance, strength, and mobility. It’s ideal for building confidence and keeping active in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more about Steady Steps.
Live Well Walk More group walks
These are free, health-focused group walks open to all. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to keep active with others, Live Well Walk More is a great way to enjoy the benefits of walking and connect with your community. Join a Live Well Walk More walking group.
Walking to school
Walking to school is a great way to build healthy habits early, reduce traffic around schools, and give children a more active start to their day. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or pupil, there are plenty of resources to help make the journey safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Get local information on walking to school.
Both Living Streets and Sustrans offer fantastic tools and support for encouraging active travel to school. From safety campaigns and walk-to-school challenges to route planning and school travel initiatives, they’re working to make walking part of everyday life for families.
Active Leicester
Active Leicester is dedicated to helping residents increase their physical activity and lead healthier lives. It includes the network of leisure centres across the city, offering a wide range of facilities and activities for all ages and abilities. From fitness classes to swimming and local walking groups, there are plenty of opportunities to get moving and stay active. Learn more about Active Leicester and their programmes.