Families encouraged to step in the right direction this spring

Scottish walking charity, Paths For All, shares ten ways to add fun activities to the familiar family stroll!

Article Source: Paths For All
Last Updated: 13 April 2021 15:46

With longer evenings and warmer weather ahead, a Scottish walking charity is revealing its top ten tips to inspire families to embrace the outdoors and engage with nature.

This comes after Paths for All launched its Spring Path Day campaign which includes 30 days of activity ideas, an online content hub, and £1000 worth of outdoor educational prizes for schools and children to win throughout April.
The charity understands that many families may feel bored of their usual walking routes, and hopes the hub will provide a variety of ideas to keep younger children entertained while enjoying time spent connecting with nature and making memories.

Information has been designed to motivate families to go outdoors and get moving in a free and safe way, with activities including treasure hunts, wildlife spotting and creative walking.

As walking has been one of the only reasons many have had to leave the house for months, Paths for All has pulled together ten things for families to try outdoors this spring:

1. Make a Treasure Trail
Make up a trail and the first one to complete it could receive a prize at the end.

2. Wildlife spotting
Take a notepad on your walk and make notes on any interesting wildlife you spot – you could turn it into a game and the person with the most points wins.

3. Build a Den
Woodlands are great for den building and helps kids solve problems and work together creatively.

4. Creative walking
Simply moving helps soothe our minds, and being creative adds to that. Let nature inspire your creativity.

5. Walk with another person
Invite a friend for a walk today and show them where you like to go and why – following Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines.

6. Walking Games
Come up with fun games to play on your walks, example – eye spy, left or right, spring nature spotting.

7. Step count or distance challenge
Release your inner competitiveness and challenge someone (or yourself) to get a certain number of daily steps or mileage.

8. Take a picnic
Pack a rucksack with your favourite snacks and drinks and head off along a path for an alfresco lunch.

9. Do a litter pick
Help to look after your favourite paths and places. If you’ve spotted some annoying litter – bag it up and bin it responsibly.

10. Be wise outside
We’re lucky to be able to access our countryside freely so make sure to treat the Scottish landscape in a responsible way whilst out and about.

Regular walks can help keep Scots safe while allowing us to meet up and spend time with family and friends. It has been brought into focus during the pandemic how positive getting outdoors is to boost mental, physical and social well-being.

Rona Gibb, Senior Manager at Paths for All, said: “Fresh air, being outdoors and connecting with nature is not only positive for our physical and mental health, it is also a fun way to socialise with others safely.

“Walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life. As we move into spring there is no better time to incorporate it into your family routine, even if it is just a short walk to school or round the block.

“The Spring Path Days online hub provides a tonne of ideas for families, and will offer something to suit all interests – there is also a host of competitions to get involved in!”

The charity encourages families across Scotland to get involved in its seasonal campaign by sharing a photo of what they have been doing this spring.

All participants will be entered automatically into a prize draw which will see 10 individuals win a den-building kit.

One lucky winner will also win a £500 voucher for their school to spend on outdoor educational resources.

Enter here: form.typeform.com

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.