New figures from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) show that the number of Scottish adults visiting the outdoors for leisure or recreation is on the rise.
The main findings show that in 2010, 48% of Scottish adults were visiting the outdoors for leisure or recreation at least once a week and spent around £2.5 billion in total.
Walking is the most popular outdoor recreational activity among adults living in Scotland – it was the main activity on 73% of visits to the outdoors in 2010. Family outings, the main activity on 8% of visits, was next in terms of popularity. This was followed by cycling/mountain biking, the main activity on 5% of visits.
“This is great news” says Richard Davison, responsible for SNH’s people and landscapes programme. “The reasons for the increase will be many and varied but we believe our work on encouraging more people to visit the outdoors and the excellent work being done by local authorities and many others is helping to inspire people to get outdoors. Even in towns and cities, people have great opportunities to explore green places near to home and enjoy good local path networks which is why it’s important to look after them. Spending time outdoors is fun and very rewarding, and is a great way to improve your health for free.”
SNH’s ‘Simple pleasures, easily found’ campaign provides information to inspire people to get outdoors more often, with recommended routes round some of Scotland’s towns and cities, and beyond. For these, and top tips for fun activities to do when you’re out, go to www.snh.gov.uk/simplepleasures
photo credit: subtleflame
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Hi and welcome. I'm a freelance travel and lifestyle copywriter and editor, with a passion for the great outdoors. This is my personal blog all about getting out in the fresh air and reconnecting with our green spaces and countryside.
