The February issue launches the challenge to walk 1000 miles in 2026, with special supplement and progress tracker.
Founded 11 years ago, Country Walking’s Walk1000Miles challenge is for anyone of any age, fitness level and experience – it’s free to join, fun and flexible.
The challenge is: walk 1,000 miles in a year, the equivalent of Land’s End to John o’Groats (the long way), averaging just 2.74 miles a day. It has been highly praised by GPs and health practitioners.
Included with the February issue, the Walk1000Miles supplement covers all aspects of the challenge for beginners as well as seasoned walkers to get them started, along with a special progress tracker card to count miles.
Walk1000Miles 2026 is partnering with brands including Scarpa outdoor footwear, Bridgedale world-leading socks, and Ordnance Survey maps and navigation.
Celebrities backing the initiative include actor and broadcaster, Stephen Fry who says: “Walk1000miles is an idea without flaw… and you might find it brings 1000 other benefits too.” Clare Balding, broadcaster, author and presenter of Radio 4’s Ramblings, musician JB Gill, and Julia Bradbury, TV’s best-known walker.
Celebrities from Bauer Media’s audio brands taking part include: Fleur East and Hits Radio Breakfast Show co-hosts Will Best and James Barr, Nicki Chapman Magic Radio Presenter, Kate Thornton Greatest Hits Radio Presenter, BBC Morning Live Presenter Michelle Ackerley, and Royal author and broadcaster Katie Nicholl.
Since the launch, the challenge has amassed more than 100,000 registrations and more than 40,000 members to its growing Facebook community. Anyone can sign up to the Walk1000miles challenge by registering for FREE online at www.walk1000miles.co.uk.
New participants will automatically join the established community, where they can gain tips and advice, mentoring, support and encouragement to achieve individual goals, or join approved sub-groups to share experiences.
Nick Hallissey, Head of Content, Country Walking, says: “You only need to look at the success stories of Walk1000Miles to see the impact. The people who’ve shed pounds, turned the clock back, made lifelong friends, or just surprised themselves by becoming a brighter, shinier version of the people they were. Others have walked their way back from the most debilitating illnesses or found a way to manage bereavement, or trauma, or anxiety. For whatever reason, thousands of people use the same simple phrase: ‘this challenge changed my life’.”
Rachael Beesley, Publisher, Country Walking, added: “Country Walking’s Walk1000miles is a proven initiative to transform people’s lives ‘one step at a time’. Since launch over 100k people have signed up to Walk1000miles, with tens of thousands joining each year to improve their mental and physical health, fitness, weight loss and happiness. With the continued support of our partners, health experts, celebrities and by increasing awareness, we predict Walk1000miles 2026 will be our biggest and best challenge yet.”
Walkers can get a badge, stickers, an inspirational 2026 calendar and new eco-friendly medals from Country Walking’s shop, and there are plenty of resources to download for free at www.walk1000miles.co.uk.
Country Walking is published monthly, priced £6.25, and is available at all major retailers and at greatmagazines.co.uk/countrywalking (print and digital editions).
