Residents across the borough are being encouraged to get out and about, get active and rethink everyday journeys to mark National Walking Month this May.
The council would like to inspire people to swap at least one car journey a week for walking, wheeling or public transport – whether that’s commuting to work, visiting the shops, doing the school run or meeting friends locally.
By choosing more active and sustainable ways to travel, it helps support wellbeing, helps residents to stay active and keep moving more each day, as well as helping them to connect more with their communities and reduce carbon emissions across the borough.
A spokesperson for Chesterfield Borough Council said: “National Walking Month is a great opportunity to encourage small changes that can make a big difference. Walking, wheeling or using public transport for everyday journeys not only helps people to move more and improve their wellbeing, but also reduces congestion on the roads, improves air quality and cuts carbon emissions.
“You don’t need to train for a marathon, just making one different travel choice and taking part in a gentle activity at your own pace can have a positive impact, for you and for our environment.
“The council has a number of free walking groups that meet regularly across the borough, and new people are always welcome to come along. The walks are volunteer led and may allow you to see new places you haven’t explored before.
“A number of the walking routes on our volunteer walks are accessible for both walking and wheeling too including the mindscapes photography walk, and the easy walking group from the Hub at Low Pavements.”
Throughout May, the council will be promoting simple ideas to help residents take part, including:
- Walking or wheeling short local journeys instead of driving
- Getting off the bus one stop earlier
- Exploring local parks on foot
- Encouraging friends, family and colleagues to travel together or go for walks together at lunchtime or after you get home
- Walking up the stairs in your workplace instead of getting the lift
This supports the council’s wider ambitions to tackle climate change and create cleaner, greener and more connected communities.
Residents are encouraged to take part and make every step count this May.
Here are a few benefits of walking:
- Reduce stress, and boost your physical, social and mental wellbeing
- Improve your health
- Feel energised
- Improve circulation and increase your heart rate during exercise
- Boosts your mood
- Sleep better after exercise
- Connect with friends and family on a walk
- Exploring new places and connecting with nature
- A gentle activity that can be done at your own pace
Chesterfield is recognised each year for its excellent parks and green spaces and picked up eight Green Flag awards in 2025 for parks across the borough. National Walking Month would also be a good opportunity to explore local green spaces on foot, either individually or with your friends and family.
Find a list of all of our green spaces.
Want some inspiration for where to walk to? No problem. Destination Chesterfield put together a guide to make the most of our outdoor spaces.
Walk Derbyshire has also put together a handy guide.
