‘The difference it makes is absolutely huge’

Dr Peter Davies, GP and author from West Yorkshire, says walking can transform our personal and public health. Most of what we see as chronic diseases would be preventabe if we all walked.

“The difference an hour’s daily walk can make to the wider health picture of this country is absolutely huge. Most of what we see as chronic diseases would be preventable or reversible if people would only walk as part of life. Type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and stroke – it even reduces the risk of many cancers. It’s a better preventive drug than any medical prescription I can give.

Since the pandemic it’s become more important than ever – for positive health, physical and mental wellbeing, for staying connected to others and to nature, for staying fit. Those things are incredibly important for our collective wellness and #walk1000miles is so good at fostering these things.

It’s such a group of encouragers. The support we give each other helps us remember when we’re out, in rain, on a dark night, getting an extra mile, that we’re not alone,

the water will dry, the dawn will come and that we’re connected with one another.

Medicine is a bruising profession to be part of. The busyness, the demands, the emotional side. We’re not as neutral about illness and death as we pretend. For me walking brings me back into sanity. The view from the high ground restores my sense of perspective. It boosts resilience and helps me cope with the strains of a medical career.

I’m 55 now, and I’m as fit now as I was at 24 having just left university and been president of the Hiking Club there. What #walk1000miles has helped me learn is the importance of going out daily, of making walking part of daily life, and not seeing a big walk once a week as an event. Daily processes build to great events, but it’s the processes that keep driving us forward, and keep us healthy, fit and working well. Don’t wait for events – build yourself a process. #walk1000miles.

It’s free, and you just have to walk out a bit beyond your front door – and maybe a bit beyond yourself – into what you could truly become.”

“Walking feels more important now than ever before. In fact if everyone walked daily I believe it would save the NHS and create a much happier, healthier and productive nation. If we could gift one hour per day to ourselves, it would in turn be an enormous gift back to the NHS.

Patients of mine who have walked regularly during lockdown have fared so much better. Many of my patients have been amazed at the difference. They have lost weight, their blood pressure has normalised, blood sugars have improved and joint pains resolved. They are sleeping better and feeling more positive about their work and relationships. It has been the Covid silver lining.

#walk1000miles is incredibly important and deserves to be at the top of the health agenda. The pandemic has left many feeling overwhelmed and yet doing something as simple as walking daily helps you take back control and feel less fearful. It’s positive action – and it supports our immunity.

Walking has the potential to transform the health of the nation and should not be underestimated. It has the potential to reverse the burden of chronic disease – to change lives, improve wellbeing and build resilience.

I just love the power of walking; there’s nothing like a walk in nature, to feel grounded and replenished.

The health benefits are huge. Start small, build gradually and experience magic. You won’t regret it!”

Patients of mine who walked regularly during lockdown have fared so much better.