A walker approaches Loch Tulla in Argyll

A walker approaches Loch Tulla in Argyll

The Ramblers will next week start a major campaign to get Scots fit in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

More than 100 walking ‘hubs’ are being set up to get the population on its feet to combat what the association calls Scotland’s shocking health record. Scottish Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham will join Ramblers Scotland president Dennis Canavan in the launch next Wednesday.

Bronze, silver and gold routes have been devised, centred on hubs such as post offices, schools, hospitals, cafes, shops and community centres. Gold walks will last an hour, with shorter silver routes walkable in 30 minutes and short strolls of 15 minutes on bronze routes.

The campaign has been dubbed Walk Homecoming 2009 to tie in with the broader Scottish Government’s cultural Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme.

Dennis Canavan

Dennis Canavan

Dennis Canavan said: “Walking is something almost everyone can do. It’s free, enjoyable and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

“I urge everyone, from Government ministers to primary school teachers, to set an example and help everyone to get walking. Let’s get out of the starting blocks with Homecoming Scotland 2009 and get on the route to 2014.

“It is imperative that we all use the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland initiative in 2009, the lead up to the London Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 as catalysts to promote walking activity and make Scotland healthier, safer and stronger.”

Next week’s launch is the first step in a longer Walk the Path to 2014 campaign being run by the Ramblers along with Scottish Natural Heritage, Sustrans, local authorities, health-walk schemes and community groups.

Walk Homecoming 2009 will be launched in Wednesday 4 March in Perth.