Dr James Davies MP is taking part in an initiative which is encouraging people to try to walk for 20 minutes every day throughout May, and has said there is no better place to get involved than in the Vale of Clwyd.
National Walking Month is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Each May, Living Streets encourages people to try walking and enjoy the benefits of walking for our minds, bodies and streets.
This year, the charity is urging people to #Try20 – and walk for 20 minutes every day throughout the month to enjoy the health and happiness benefits of walking and wheeling more.
And James has said the Vale of Clwyd is “the perfect location” to do it.
Encouraging his constituents to get involved, he said:
“National Walking Month provides a fantastic opportunity for people to incorporate walking into their daily lives, starting with just 20 minutes per day.
“Active people report higher levels of mental wellbeing and are more likely to be satisfied with their life, feel happier and less anxious – and walking together can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
“We are extremely fortunate here in the Vale of Clwyd to have some wonderful places to walk. There are scenic coastal and rural walks that people travel miles to enjoy. We have them here on our doorstep and this initiative is the perfect opportunity to explore them more.
“National Walking Month also ties in with the annual Prestatyn & Clwydian Range Walking Festival 2023 which will take place from May 19th until May 21st.
“This year they have 25 free guided walks for all ages and abilities plus a fantastic interactive talk with authentically dressed Roman soldiers on Friday 19 May.
“I hope people will join me and #Try20 this May. Together we can enjoy the fresh air, tackle climate change, socialise and get some exercise.”
Living Streets’ National Walking Month will also play host to Walk to School Week (15–19 May). Families are encouraged to walk to school for the whole week with special activity packs available for school pupils.
Last year, over 200,000 pupils across the UK took part. This year’s challenge, Walk with Wildlife, will engage pupils on how being active on their way to school helps improve their health, happiness and local environment.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:
“Walking is good for our minds, bodies and neighbourhoods. Turning off our engines and turning to walking for short journeys will help reduce congestion, road danger and air pollution.
“As well as the physical benefits, walking reduces the feelings of loneliness and isolation – as it promotes socialisation and boosts serotonin levels linked with feeling happier and less anxious. That’s why we are encouraging everyone to adopt a healthy habit this May and walk for 20 minutes a day for National Walking Month.”
Living Streets’ #Try20 tips to help people fit 20 minutes of walking into their everyday routine are available at livingstreets.org.uk/nationalwalkingmonth.
For further information on Prestatyn Walking Festival visit: https://www.prestatynwalkingfestival.co.uk/
