Walking Scotland has teamed up with Midlothian Council to deliver the first community Step Count Challenge.
The community challenge invites people living or working in new developments in Danderhall and Shawfair to take part and walk more during the day.
The free, four-week Step Count Challenge starts on 2 February. It aims to support healthy habits and help people connect with their community.
Walking Scotland said the Step Count Challenge helps support wellbeing, strengthen social connections and make people feel more at home in their community.
“At Walking Scotland, we want everyone to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. This Step Count Challenge is a great opportunity for residents of Danderhall and Shawfair to make a positive impact on their health, communities and environment,” said Kevin Lafferty, Walking Scotland’s CEO.
Participants take part in teams of five, and log their walking or wheeling over four weeks using Walking Scotland’s Step Count Challenge dashboard.
The challenge includes tracking progress and logging steps; earning virtual badges; checking team and community leaderboards; growing a virtual forest (based on estimated CO₂ savings); and winning prizes.
Throughout the challenge, Walking Scotland supports participants with weekly emails, mini competitions and prizes, helping people stay motivated and engaged.
“This challenge is a fantastic way to bring the community together, encourage healthy habits, and make walking fun. We hope as many residents as possible will take part and enjoy the benefits,” said Councillor Colin Cassidy, Midlothian Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for active travel.
The challenge runs from Monday 2 February to Sunday 1 March, with sign-up completed by 1 February. One person registers the team, and each team member creates their own account on the Step Count Challenge dashboard. Participants need to live or work in Danderhall or Shawfair, with a postcode starting with EH22 1.
Walking, running, and wheeling all count toward the challenge. Wheelchair users can take part by setting their default activity to wheeling.
There will be a prize for the winning team with the highest total step count. There will also be a Spirit of Step Count Challenge Award to recognise the most inspiring teammate with participants being asked to nominate a teammate who they feel embodied the spirit of the challenge.
