Herefordshire May walk challenge

Public-health officials in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are urging residents to join a free two-week walking challenge from May 1 to May 14. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The 2026 “Walk This May Challenge” is led by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council. Organisers said people of “all ages and abilities” can take part. (worcestershire.gov.uk) The target is collective distance, not speed: walkers are being asked to see how many times they can cover the 53-mile border between the two counties. Herefordshire Council said last year’s total reached 4,723.18 miles, or 89 border-lengths. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The walks are being pitched as low-barrier activity during National Walking Month. Worcestershire County Council said routes will be free, on easy ground, at a relaxed pace, and range from 10 to 90 minutes. (worcestershire.gov.uk) Officials are also tying the challenge to public-health goals. Dr. Lisa McNally, Worcestershire County Council’s director of public health, said walking supports heart health, sleep, stress reduction and mood. (worcestershire.gov.uk) The councils are stressing access as much as exercise. Herefordshire Council said routes across both counties can be reached on foot or by public transport, and no booking is required. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The campaign also builds on existing local walking groups rather than a one-off event. Herefordshire’s “Walk This May” page directs residents to Wellbeing Walks groups, while Worcestershire points them to its Health Walks network. (herefordshire.gov.uk) Stephen Brewster, chief executive of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said organisers want to beat last year’s 4,700-mile mark. For residents, the challenge is simple: turn up to a local walk in early May and add miles to the running total. (herefordshire.gov.uk)