With longer days and better weather, May’s undoubtedly a great time in the UK  to build a walking habit. Whether you’re a roaming rambler, a hardened hiker or a dogged dog-walker, it’s good to be walking out in nature. And especially if you’re someone who needs a nudge, walking for charity with trundl might be right up your street.

But first, let’s explore more about National Walking Month.

For 95 years, Living Streets Charity has been campaigning for safer streets for everyone. Through National Walking Month they encourage people across the UK to celebrate the joy of walking. Not only this, but with ‘walk to school week’ falling in May, there’s good reason to get the next generation involved too.

At the trundl charity app, we’re all converts to the power of walking.  But don’t just take our word for it. More and more studies show that walking is brilliant for our physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections. Dare we say it, but surprisingly there’s some evidence that it’s healthier than running.  Here are just a few benefits from regular walks, even if they’re only 20-30 minutes in duration.

1. Improves heart health
2. Increases your bone strength.
3. Strengthens your muscles and joints.
4. Supports your weight-loss goals.
5. Helps balance blood sugar.
6. Improves sleep
7. Reduces stress
8. May slow the ageing process
9. Boosts your mood
10. Supports gut health

A daily walk, though,  shouldn’t feel like a chore.  Use the UK’s National Walking month as a focus to spice up your walks:

Join a walking group: If you’d like to meet new people, why not find a local walking group? These are often publicised at community centres, doctor’s surgeries, local gyms or notice boards.

Have some fun: As we often say, walks don’t have to be dull. Jazz things up by playing nature bingo or learning about local bird songs. You could listen to a podcast or rope in a friend or colleague for a walk-and-talk.

Get the family walking: Use National Walking Month as a way to create new family time for instance.  It’s a great way of building children’s walking habits and you’ll discover that they often talk more when they’re walking.  Do keep it fun with nature spotting games or simple challenges. And always walk at a comfortable pace for all. Read some top tips here.

Challenge yourself: Seeing that many people like a challenge, think about some creative goals. Perhaps you can line up new walking routes to complete. Or at least pledge to walk rather than drive for more short trips.  And of course, in the UK you can use the trundl walking for charity app to make a bigger impact.

trundl nudges UK members to walk for charity all year round, but why not make a start in May? Being non-competitive, you can always go at your own pace with the trundl app and it won’t nag you about beating a streak or leaderboard. Simply use trundl to record your everyday walks and see your impact on health and charity donations mount up. Happy trundling!