May is National Walking Month. National Walking Month is a campaign to promote the benefits of walking and to get everyone walking, no matter what your level of fitness is. Walking is simple and free and one of the easiest ways to be more active, lose weight and become healthier.

National Walking Month is running two main themes this month ; Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week.

Walk to Work Week 11-15 May - Walk to Work week is a free workplace challenge to get some healthy competition going between you and your colleagues, and get you feeling all the benefits of walking more during the working day. You can:

• Log Your Walking
• View a workplace team leader board
• Monitor all of your walking

To register and get involved for free go to: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walking-and-work/walk-to-work-week

Walk to School Week 18-22 May - Walk to school is encouraging schools to get involved to get children (and parents) walking. By getting children walking it could reduce the risk of childhood obesity, get children and families in the habit of walking. The walk to school is the perfect opportunity for some quality family time or a good chat with friends helping to develop strong, happy relationships.

For more about Walk to School Week and to access the free resource follow the link http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week-18-22-may-2015

For more ideas on how you can get walking please see the links below:

• Walking for health: Walks all over Kent for all ages and abilities. If you have a health condition or are new to walking Walking for health can help you www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
• Walk 4 Health: Part of the Change 4 Life campaign has walks and activities for all the family www.walk4life.info
• Ramblers: More walking routes and details of local groups and guides and tips for the more experienced walker www.ramblers.org.uk
• Explore Kent: Walking routes, planners and where to go in Kent - get out in Kent and explore this wonderful county explorekent.org

New to walking? NHS Choices has some great advice about how to start walking safely.

National Walking Month is organised by Living Streets and their website has a lots of ideas and free resources for you to access. Find out more by going to: www.livingstreets.org.uk

& connect on twitter by using the #walkthismay