Simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get active. Brisk walking means picking up the pace to get your heart rate going to unlock the most health benefits.

Why is it good for me?

A brisk ten minute walk can make a huge difference to your health – it gets the heart pumping faster, can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time, brisk walking can help to lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Whether you’re walking to work, stepping out at lunchtime, walking to the shops or local park or taking the dog for a walk, brisk walking can be simple to fit into your everyday life.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! Walking is free and can even save you money on travel costs.

What equipment do I need?

The good news is you don’t have to wear sports kit or start an expensive fitness programme!

But you can download the free Active 10 app from One You, which shows how much brisk walking you’re doing, where you can increase your pace and fit more into your day.

Getting started

A great way to get started is to join a local walking group. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks is England’s largest network of wellbeing walks, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle. Active Cumbria manage the Cumbria Ramblers Wellbeing Walks scheme, we have group walks around the county that are led by friendly, specially trained volunteers and staff from various organisations inc the NHS who are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and make sure no one gets left behind.

Our walks are short and over easy terrain, and are open to everyone but are especially aimed at those who are least active. Have a look at our Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Cumbria page 

There is also Active 10 which is a campaign from Public Health England. A daily brisk 10 minute walk can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time it can also help lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. You can download a free Active 10 app here. It shows you much brisk walking you’re doing, where you can increase your pace and fit more into your day.

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