Walk this May!

May is often a lovely month for walking. I say this in a world where the climate is changing such that we can't rely on knowing what the month's weather is likely to be like. What used to be a month of mild, sunny weather might this year be rainy, dull and chilly. I admit, I like walking in the rain, but it is harder to get motivated to get out when the weather is less than lovely.

I love walking in green places, there is so much to see in nature that is best appreciated at walking pace. I also like walking in urban areas, Edinburgh is, mostly, a very walk-able city, full of attractive architecture, green spaces and unexpected pockets of nature in the middle of even the most built up areas.

Walking is great exercise and is good for both physical and mental health. It's also a great way to spend time with friends and family.

There are two campaigns to get people out and walking this May.

Living Streets' National Walking Month this year is encouraging people to get out and walk for an extra 20 minutes every day. Their website includes top tips for how to walk more, games and tools to help you meet your target of walking more.

Meanwhile the Tree Council is running Walk in the Woods month. The best place to follow their campaign seems to be Twitter.

So, time to get out there and enjoy a good walk!