4
The project now sits under Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust leadership,
which seeks to maintain and develop the suite of health walks whilst supporting the upgrade and development of local paths between communities for the benefit of locals and visitors alike. There is no doubt that the scheme can increase participants’ physical fitness and therefore their general health. What is now becoming increasingly evident are the social benefits of walking as part of group. As well as the valuable social company there is a growing belief that being in a group motivates many to keep attending.
Recently Alan has noted comments such as “When I am walking on my own I am just walking. With the group you’ve got the company there and you have a laugh. You talk about various different things and share experiences. It makes it more interesting.”
Another enthusiastic walker explained “It’s good to have a regular walking
date each week, because if there’s a set day and time it makes me go on the walk. I might otherwise find other things to do.” Scotland has on occasion been referred to as ‘the sick man of Europe’. It was a title nobody could be anything but disappointed with. The COAT initiative is a good example of how national issues are being tackled at a local level for the benefit of individuals and communities. Funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage, Paths for All Partnership and both the Cairngorms and Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programmes, this project looks set to deliver lasting benefits for some time to come.
www.cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk
www.snh.gov.uk 37
3
The walks enable locals to forge lasting friendships whilst finding a shared purpose and enjoyment.
4
Beyond the walks themselves, the project works to promote access awareness and interest through production of path leaflets, information boards, the local press and websites.
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