With the better weather and lighter nights approaching, it’s a great time to get out and about locally doing the things you can enjoy outdoors.
NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement team has put together an interactive map, which shows all the local outdoor gyms, health walks and most recently added; play parks.
These local spots are a great way to spend time outdoors, with the family or include some extra physical activity into your day! Whatever your reason, there’s something everyone can enjoy.
Research shows that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature plays an important role in improving our overall mental health and wellbeing.
How the map looks and works:
Chris Simpson, health improvement senior – NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Across Lanarkshire we have some great outdoor gyms, ongoing health walks from different locations across the week and over 400 play parks to be explored. The map was created to try and join the dots with some of these great opportunities that already exist in our communities and to help us get out into nature with all its benefits to our health and wellbeing.”
Grant Murdoch, health improvement practitioner, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “This Lanarkshire mapping project was created due to the heightened need for outdoor physical activity opportunities as we were living in a pandemic. The map showcases Lanarkshire’s fantastic outdoor activities from outdoor gyms, health walks and play parks.
“As we move into spring and summer time with lighter nights we hope families can enjoy walking to their local play parks, using the outdoor gym equipment for workouts and also utilise the maps functions to vary up where they go. The map can also be used by residents to meet groups of friends at a local area to walk or jog and they can also plan to meet at their nearest outdoor gym.
“We hope to expand this outdoor mapping project to contain local walking trails, cycling routes and also distribution points for other NHS Lanarkshire services meaning people can use it for various reasons. This outdoor map came together from collaborating two projects on outdoor gyms and play parks across Lanarkshire and it has expanded across a variety of organisations and services.”
Paula Hubens, health walks Co-ordinator – Get Walking Lanarkshire, added: “Health walks are taking place all across North and South Lanarkshire. Everybody is welcome and as the pace is gentle they are ideal for people who would benefit from becoming more active. The walks are very sociable, so also good for mental wellbeing and reducing loneliness and isolation.”
There are lots of greenspace facilities and activities across Lanarkshire too, and they’re now just a tap away! Have a look at the local map, select the activity you want to look for, and find the one nearest you!
Health Walks
Get Walking Lanarkshire offers a programme of free health walks across North and South Lanarkshire, from Cumbernauld to Biggar and from East Kilbride to Newarthill (and many places in between.)
Health Walks are a great way to meet new people whilst walking at your own pace. It’s exercise with the added bonus of friendly company, a good chat and fresh air!
The walks are for everyone but are specifically designed to encourage those that would benefit from becoming (more) active to give walking a go. The routes are simple and avoid tricky terrain and all walks have wheelchair friendly and buggy friendly route options.
Booking is essential – book your slot.
Outdoor gyms
There are over 20 outdoor gyms across Lanarkshire that are free & easy to use, which you can locate as well as a brief description of each one.
Local green spaces have also been added to the map, for you to locate free and friendly walks at a gentle pace. Walks last no longer than an hour and are led by trained volunteers.
