After receiving a number of emails about the Walking Britain campaign High Peak Liberal Democrat PPC Stephen Worrall gives his views.

I’m afraid I don’t get out walking as much as I would like due to a large number of other commitments, however I do manage to get out reasonably frequently to walk my girlfriends dog around where we live in Charlesworth. In terms of other specific places away from Charlesworth I personally very much enjoy the walk around Mossy Lea and (whilst not technically in our area) the walk down from Marple Road into Etherow Park I find particularly relaxing, particularly on a quiet day when it can feel like your the only ones around.

Personally I very much support the creation of a “Walking Britain” and think that the next government should, as part of a wider commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, promote the benefits of walking, I also think that we need to ensure that our best walking areas are not lost, either through development of land or neglect, however a little development to improve access to some fantastic “walking spots” would be beneficial.

I know, as do we all, that regular walking is good for you but the numbers are truly staggering in terms of the advantages:

* Regular walking can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and some cancers by between 20 and up to 50%.
* Walking can reduce the chances of developing depression by up to 30%.
* In addition, walkers spend over £6 billion a year, supporting up to 245,000 full time jobs

Of all the benefits of walking it is hard to choose the most important to our area as all are I believe vital. If you pushed me I think I’d have to say the improved health it brings as this has so many knock on benefits to the local area and to the whole country.