10 reason to take part in The Great Scottish Walk

December is a good time to start considering which New Year’s resolutions will be made for 2008. Top of most people’s lists is taking more exercise. Listed below are 10 good reasons why it’s a beneficial step to get fitter and start the New Year as you mean to go on by signing up for the Great Scottish walk.

Walkers can choose from a distance of either - 1, 6 or 12 miles. Enrol now online at Greatscottishwalk.com.

1. On Christmas Day alone the average Brit eats 7000 kcals
2. Alcohol facts: A pint of lager contains 400 kcals, a glass of red wine (150ml) 85 kcal, but a glass of sweet, white wine (150ml) contains as much as 120 kcal, Alcopops (275ml) contain 185 kcal
3. An average person burns 100 kcals per mile, so 6 miles = 600 kcals and 12 miles 1200 kcals
4. 10.000 steps a day, there are 2.000 steps in a mile (6 miles = 12,000 steps and 12 miles = 24,000 steps)
5. Nordic walkers – are welcome at the Great Scottish Walk and usually get up front and lead the pack. Nordic walking is a sport growing in popularity in Scotland. Nordic Walking works your upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening your back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension - all this while improving the health of your heart and lungs
6. The Great Scottish Walks are very social events – people take part from across Scotland and the UK and even in past years from across Europe and America – Do the walk on your own, as part of a group, with your family and friends or with your work colleagues
7. Dogs are allowed – bring along your four legged friend and they too can join in and get some exercise
8. Walking improves your circulation and lowers blood pressure
9. Over 50 charities are affiliated to the event – so there has never been a better opportunity to raise money for your favoured charity or community project.
10. It is fun! Dress up for the walks if you wish – there will be a prize for the best costume – the costume theme for 2008 is Famous Scottish characters in history (fact and fiction)

Great Scottish Walks start at 11am in Edinburgh and Glasgow and to get walkers in the mood, Pink Aerobics will be on hand to provide and invigorating warm up to walkers.

The walk routes take in many of the stunning sites of the cities and walkers are encourage to take their time and enjoy the atmosphere – stop off enroute for light refreshment, dress up in fancy dress and make a day of it.

Entry costs to the walks are £10 for an affiliated charity walker, £8 for Under 18s, OAPs students and unemployed. Unaffiliated charity walker, Adult £15, £12 for Under 18s, OAPs, students and unemployed.

A series of walks have been specially designed for youngsters from 2-16 years and have been endorsed by Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Health Minister with Scottish Parliament. The walks are available in 8 locations across Scotland.