The East Lothian Social Prescribing Walking Challenge invites adults to improve their physical and mental well-being through a 12-week step-based walking programme.
A new initiative aimed at promoting health and sustainability has been launched across East Lothian today, Monday 3 March 2025. The East Lothian Social Prescribing Walking Challenge invites adults aged 18-64 to improve their physical and mental well-being through a 12-week step-based walking programme.
Utilising funding from Transport Scotland and SESTran, the initiative is a collaboration between East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’ Exercise Referral Team and East Lothian Council’s Active Travel team, delivered in partnership with health and wellbeing company, Go Jauntly.
Aligned with NHS Scotland exercise guidelines, the challenge is designed to accommodate all activity levels. Whether you’re inactive or highly active, participants can gradually increase their daily steps with goals ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 steps per day. Along the way, they’ll earn badges, explore curated walking routes, and discover the joy of walking and active travel across East Lothian.
The programme highlights the importance of reducing short car journeys, creating healthier communities, and fostering long-term habits. Through the Go Jauntly app, participants can track their progress, access inspiring local walks, and even restart the challenge for continuous improvement.
By slowly increasing activity over time, participants are more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels and enjoy long-term health benefits. For adults aged 18-64, the NHS Scotland guidelines generally recommend:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking) per week, or
- 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (e.g., running), or
- A mix of both, including muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
Crucially, you can hit your weekly activity target but still be at risk of ill health if you spend the rest of the time sitting or lying down.
Linking with local GPs in Dunbar and Prestonpans, a series of mini jaunts have been specifically curated to help launch this initiative, and support individuals who are referred to the walking challenge by their primary care practitioner.
Additionally, the team have curated a series of short walks suitable for children and families. These sustainable travel routes start and finish at local primary schools, and incorporate photographic directions, while promoting road safety and showcasing points of interest along paths to and from school.
The 12-week challenge is available for free on the Go Jauntly app for anyone who wants to be more active. You don’t have to be referred by a medical professional to take part, you can simply download the app and join the challenge.
Within the Go Jauntly app you’ll find a range of inspiring East Lothian walks to help you explore our county and its landscapes. These include a step-free walking along Haddington’s vibrant High Street and riverside, a scramble up the law in North Berwick, or for the more adventurous, a 10km Salt of the Earth Heritage Trail taking in the coastal path from Longniddry to Prestonpans.
Beyond these curated options, a handy feature of the Go Jauntly app is that it will generate a walk that caters to your needs, wherever you are. You set the parameters and off you go!
Whether you are socially prescribed or self-refer into the walking challenge East Lothian residents are encouraged to sign up and take a first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure Colin McGinn comments, “East Lothian has so many beautiful areas to explore, and what better way to this than on foot. As the hint of spring is in the air, and the nights are becoming longer, this is a great opportunity to explore local or neighbouring towns, go on woodland wanders, take in some local heritage and enjoy our stunning coastline. We really hope this 12-week walking challenge will inspire people to get out and about and enjoy East Lothian.”
Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Fiona Wilson adds, “Whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. Exercise can reduce the risk of major illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Physical activity also supports balance and coordination, which is especially important as we get older, as it helps reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Research also show that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy as well as reducing the risk of stress.
Daily walking is one of the easiest early intervention and prevention activities we can do, to improve our overall health and wellbeing. By participating in this social prescribed walking challenge, residents can discover the benefits of regular, low-impact physical activity and hopefully start developing long-term healthy habits.”
Hana Sutch, CEO & Co-Founder at Go Jauntly comments, “Walking is fun, free and easy. This walking challenge is much more than just a fitness programme; it’s about connecting people to their community and surroundings, improving health and wellbeing, and taking steps towards a more sustainable future.”
For more information, visit:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/on-foot or
https://walks.gojauntly.com/challenges/east-lothian-steps-challenge-1032
The Go Jauntly App is available to download from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.