Free Walk This May challenge
A community ‘Walk This May’ challenge will run from May 1 to May 14 and is being promoted as a free, collective activity to get people moving. (redditchstandard.co.uk) Local coverage emphasized accessibility and low barriers to entry for participants. (redditchstandard.co.uk)
Residents in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being asked to join a free “Walk This May” challenge running from May 1 to May 14. (redditchstandard.co.uk) Organisers said the 2026 challenge will offer guided walks lasting from 10 to 90 minutes, with routes on easy ground and at a relaxed pace. The programme is being led by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council. (worcestershire.gov.uk) Participants do not need to book in advance and can “simply turn up” to a walk of their choice, according to Herefordshire Council. Organisers said the walks are aimed at all ages and abilities and are reachable on foot or by public transport. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The challenge is tied to National Walking Month and asks residents to see how many times they can collectively cover 53 miles, the length of the border between the two counties. Worcestershire County Council used the same 53-mile goal in its 2025 version of the event. (herefordshire.gov.uk) (worcestershire.gov.uk) Organisers are also trying to top last year’s total. Local coverage said walkers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire logged 4,723.18 miles in the 2025 challenge, or about 89 times the 53-mile border route. (redditchadvertiser.co.uk) The pitch is deliberately low-pressure. Worcestershire County Council describes its health walks as short, purposeful walks where people are encouraged to go at their own pace, with some groups offering alternate routes and distances. (worcestershire.gov.uk) The campaign also fits a wider push to make walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport easier in the region. Better Streets for Birmingham says one-third of households in Birmingham do not own a car and argues that safer streets and clearer pavements would help more people make short trips without driving. (betterstreetsforbirmingham.org) For residents who want to take part, the message from organisers is straightforward: pick a local walk between May 1 and May 14 and turn up. The challenge opens in just over two weeks. (herefordshire.gov.uk)
