WALK ARGYLL

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” — John Burroughs

Welcome to the Walk Argyll landing page, lace up your trainers and get ready to get some steps in! This page will have plenty of information about walking in the region. Find some local health walks and trail maps to inspire you before you set out and have a look at our simple step count challenge.  

Our goal is simple: to get people across the region walking more. Over time, we hope to build a Argyll and Bute wide map of your favourite walking trails in the region using data and suggestions sent in by members of the public.

Why walk

Why Walk? We know of step count challenges suggesting 10000 steps a day, but did you know that just 4,000 steps a day a couple of days a week reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke and reduces your risk of dying early by a quarter? Walking can also be used to help manage a huge range of health conditions, from anxiety and depression to arthritis to diabetes, the benefits are clear.

As well as boosting our health and wellbeing, switching some journeys from car or bus to foot helps reduce carbon emissions, protecting our planet for future generations.

Connecting with your Landscape

We also are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland. We know that a higher level of “nature connectedness” is strongly associated with higher life satisfaction and happiness and the diverse landscapes of Argyll have so much to offer. Here are some fun facts about Argyll, often called “Scotland’s adventure coast”:

30% of Argyll is covered by forest including areas of Scotland’s rare remaining costal temperate rainforest.

Argyll has over 3,700km of stunning coastline to explore as well as over 20 inhabited islands.

Argyll is a rich habitat for nature with red squirrels, roe deer, pine martin, white tailed sea eagles and beavers amongst your furred and feathered neighbours.

Argyll has an incredibly rich history and heritage, known as land of the Gaels, it has the highest density of pre-historic sites in Scotland with hotspots such as Kilmartin Glen to explore.

Step Count Challenge PDF

Walk the length of The Kintyre Way wherever you are and at a pace that suits you!  Download our step count challenge PDF

Find a Walking Group in your area

Here is a simple asset map with pins which can be clicked upon to open more information:

Find a walking trail in your area

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Other resources for Walking in Argyll

Our GP Walk Prescription Initiative

We are working with GP practices across the region to form “walking prescriptions” with options including 12 weeks in a Link Worker led health walk and a booklet of local trail mas with a step count challenge.

The 2 practices currently involved in the trial are:

Lochgilphead Medical Centre and Campbeltown Medical Practice.

Other regions and practices will follow in the future but if you are registered at either of our flagship practices and wish to be involved, contact to the GP link worker.