Step into better health with National Walking Month

Whether you go it alone, or with family and friends, walking and wheeling are some of the easiest ways to get active and boost your health and wellbeing.

KCC will be celebrating each week of the month-long campaign with a different theme, highlighting how people of all ages and abilities can enjoy moving more.

• Week 1 - focuses on children and families, sharing family‑friendly routes and simple ideas to help children get active.
• Week 2 - the spotlight turns to adults, exploring the benefits of spending time outdoors for our mental health and wellbeing.
• Week 3 - celebrates active travel, showing how walking and wheeling can be part of everyday journeys, including the school run.
• Week 4 - highlights accessibility, helping to reduce barriers and make getting outdoors possible for everyone.

Look out for advice and inspiration on our social media channels throughout May, follow #nationalwalkingmonth2026 and visit our website at KCC’s Get Moving page.

KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: “Whether you're up for a gentle stroll or an energetic hike, walking and wheeling are free, fun ways to improve your health and wellbeing - whatever your ability. Getting out and about in our fantastic county also helps you meet new people and learn new things. Thanks to everyone who cares for Kent's countryside and coast, heritage and visitor attractions and creates such brilliant opportunities to walk and wheel. Personally, walking has been a great way for me to help close family and friends open up about things that are troubling them and make special memories. I'll be making an extra effort to walk this National Walking Month. I hope the campaign also inspires you to be active too.”

Kent County Council's Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: “Moving more is a simple but effective way to lower blood pressure, help manage weight, and improve mood, sleep and mental health. Swapping out screen time for a walk or a wheel also helps lower stress and anxiety levels. By reducing your risk of disease such as diabetes or heart health issues, walking and wheeling can also help you live better for longer, and reduce pressure on our NHS. Start by checking out ways to walk, or wheel, in Kent to begin your journey to better health.”

Ways to walk and wheel in Kent:

• Family walks -find routes for all ages and abilities on Explore Kent. Use the Kent Connected free journey planner app to get free guides and Ordnance Survey map data to show you the way - download the app on Apple through the App Store or on Android through Google Play. Discover how children can get walking with Explore Kent’s Junior Walking Challenge and search for accessible routes on Explore Kent’s website using the search filter on the activity dropdown box.
• Setting goals - join the National Walking Month Challenge to walk 31 miles, a mile a day, in May by downloading the WeRoam App through the Apple App Store for iPhone or through Google Play for Android. Whether you’re on a family walk, exploring our green spaces and coastal routes, or simply walking, wheeling or cycling to work, school or the shops, every journey counts on the WeRoam App. Sign up and join the community of people wanting to live happier and healthier lives!
• Walking sports - explore the world of walking netball, football and cricket and more with the help of Kent and Medway’s Everyday Active.
• Green spaces -get out and about and close to nature by visiting one of our beautiful Country Parks like Trosley. There will also be National Walking Month events along the North Downs Way and throughout the Kent Downs National Landscape, including walks specifically for over-65s.
• Wellbeing - find KCC-funded wellbeing walks at Kent County Council's (KCC) Get Moving page.
• Coastal walks - Explore Kent has created a brand‑new series of short films showcasing parts of the King Charles III England Coast Path - recently inaugurated by His Majesty in recognition of his commitment to celebrating and protecting our natural landscapes. Each film of the 10 shorter routes from Dungeness to Ramsgate sits alongside its matching walking guide so you can get a clear sense of what to expect so you can set off with confidence. Watch all 10 videos and explore the walking guides.

Find out more about National Walking Month, organised by everyday walking charity Living Streets.