Festival of Walking - National Trust encourages UK walkers to head outdoors this autumn
Last updated 10/20/2011 3:09:17 PM
Festival of Walking - National Trust encourages UK walkers to head outdoors this autumn
More than 32 million people – that's two thirds of the UK adult population - plan to head outdoors to enjoy an autumn family walk, new research has shown.
Over 16 million (33%) say it's the season's beautiful colours that makes autumn walking so special.To celebrate the season, the National Trust is holding its first ever National Festival of Walking this October half-term.
At least 50,000 people are expected to take part in the festival which is good news given that 41% of adults say they don't spend enough time with their families.
William Wake from the National Trust's outdoors team said: "From leaf kicking to finding conkers and wrapping up warm, there is something simply delicious about an autumn walk. We're asking people to tell us what they think makes autumn walks so special – to see if we can identify the perfect formula for a family outing this half term. Walking is the best way to explore the outdoors. It's also an ideal way for families to spend time together outside enjoying fresh air. It's is something almost everyone can enjoy without any special equipment and wherever you live, there are new things to discover out walking."
The National Trust has partnered with a leading health insurer PruHealth to organise around 1,000 events all over the country, from barefoot walks to silly walks, adventure walks to wildlife walks.Events are taking place at 180 sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 22-30 October. There will also be more than 800 free walking routes available to download from the National Trust website.