RIAS partners with National Trust to get Britain walking

People will be stepping into their walking boots and enjoying spectacular country and coastal walks thanks to a new partnership between over 50s insurer RIAS and the National Trust.

The partnership has been announced as research from RIAS shows that as many as 86 per cent of us are failing to walk the recommended 10,000 steps needed each day to promote a healthy heart and prevent obesity.

RIAS is working in partnership with the National Trust by sponsoring a series of National Trust walking guides, to encourage people to enjoy the huge number of countryside and coastal walks which the National Trust has throughout Britain. The National Trust website will feature a range of downloadable walking guides which will provide invaluable information, maps and directions for those wanting to put their best foot forward and get walking.

Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS, said: "With the beautiful walks offered by the National Trust, there are lots of opportunities to clock up the recommended 10,000 steps a day. Our research shows that people are more likely to meet this target if they live in areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Lake District and the South Downs. Through our sponsorship of the National Trust, we want to show that you're never far from a beautiful walk wherever you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland."

The research revealed:

Over a third (40%) of people in the 60+ bracket, as well as 35% of those in their 30s or 40s, walk a worrying 10,000 or fewer steps each week, suggesting that work, family and social commitments are being prioritised over health.

Only 33 per cent of all adults walk the recommended daily distance during a week.

RIAS selected the National Trust, which has 3.5 million members and 49,000 volunteers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, due to its relevance to the interests of the over 50s market. As a respected and trusted brand, the National Trust fits well with the RIAS philosophy of offering quality and reassurance to their policyholders.

For more information on the RIAS/National Trust walking initiative visit nationaltrust.org.uk/walking.