A new campaign has been launched to encourage people to enjoy their local natural spaces.
The new Think Health walking app for mobile phones has been created along with the Hike the Highlands challenge and is encouraging users to follow real walking routes, with 369 miles worth to explore.
The app’s launch is part of a pilot scheme being out rolled by NHS Highland.
It aims to promote the use of the outdoors for improved health and wellbeing in a bid to combat physical inactivity, mental health issues and health inequalities.
NHS Highland’s newly appointed director of public health, Dr Tim Allison, said: “Being active and connecting with the natural world is really important for improving both our physical health and our mental health.
“This initiative is a fantastic encouragement for us to keep physically active during the current challenging times and I have already registered to take part.”
Ian Mitchell of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said: “For those of us who, in these still difficult times, cannot visit our wonderful suite of national nature reserves in the north of Scotland in person, this online trail allows you to add what distances you walk, run or cycle on your important daily exercises to the route so you can virtually ‘Hike the Highlands at Home’ and learn about our nature and special places along the way.”
The app can be accessed at www.worldwalking.org/thinknature
Source: Press & Journal