International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 Volunteer Spotlight - Walking for All

Getting to Know Walking for All

Every week, in towns and communities, small groups gather at the same time, in the same place, for a walk together. Nothing fancy - just a short, friendly loop around a local pitch, park, or path, usually followed by a cup of tea and a chat. That simple routine is the whole idea behind Walking for All, a free community walking programme built around one belief: that getting active and feeling connected shouldn't depend on fitness level, age, or ability.

What Walking for All actually does

Walking for All walks are run entirely by trained, local volunteer Walk Leaders - people who put their hand up to open the door each week and make sure everyone in their community has somewhere to go and someone to walk with.

There's no cost to join, no pressure to keep pace, and no experience needed. Some groups are made up of people managing health conditions or getting active again after time away from exercise. Others are simply neighbours who fancied a reason to get outside and see familiar faces. What they all have in common is the same format: show up, walk, and enjoy the company along the way.

A programme that reaches every corner of the community

Part of what makes Walking for All work is how many different groups it brings together. Community walking groups meet in towns right across the region. Men's Sheds have built walking into their weekly routine, giving members - some in their 80s - a reason to get moving and a reason to get up in the morning. New groups are popping up all the time, often started because locals asked for one, from Monday morning strolls to weekend rambles.

Across all of them, the pattern is the same: people pairing off, catching up, learning something new about a neighbour, and looking out for whoever's newest to the group. It's as much a social lifeline as it is a walk - and for many participants, it's become the highlight of their week.

Why people become Walk Leaders

Behind every one of these walks is a volunteer who decided to give a bit of their time to their community. Walk Leaders don't need a running background or a fitness qualification - just a willingness to turn up, hold a steady pace, and make sure nobody walks alone. In return, many say they get as much out of it as the walkers do: new friendships, a stronger sense of community, and the simple satisfaction of watching people grow more confident, week on week.

As one Walk Leader put it simply: "It's a great way to meet people in your community, get outside, get your steps in - while also making a difference."

As the organisation puts it: love walking, and want to make a difference in your community? Join Walking for All

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