New 12-week East Lothian walking challenge app launched

A new initiative aimed at promoting health and sustainability has been launched across East Lothian. 

The East Lothian Social Prescribing Walking Challenge invites adults aged 18-64 to improve their physical and mental well-being through a 12-week step-based walking programme.

Utilising funding from Transport Scotland and SESTran, the initiative is a collaboration between East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’ Exercise Referral Team and East Lothian Council’s Active Travel team, delivered in partnership with health and wellbeing company, Go Jauntly.

Aligned with NHS Scotland exercise guidelines, the challenge is designed to accommodate all activity levels. Whether you’re inactive or highly active, participants can gradually increase their daily steps with goals ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 steps per day. Along the way, they’ll earn badges, explore curated walking routes, and discover the joy of walking and active travel across East Lothian.

The programme highlights the importance of reducing short car journeys, creating healthier communities, and fostering long-term habits. Through the Go Jauntly app, participants can track their progress, access inspiring local walks, and even restart the challenge for continuous improvement.

The 12-week challenge is available for free on the Go Jauntly app for anyone who wants to be more active. You don’t have to be referred by a medical professional to take part, you can simply download the app and join the challenge. 

Within the Go Jauntly app you’ll find a range of inspiring East Lothian walks to help you explore our county and its landscapes. These include a step-free walking along Haddington’s vibrant High Street and riverside, a scramble up the Law in North Berwick, or for the more adventurous, a 10km Salt of the Earth Heritage Trail taking in the coastal path from Longniddry to Prestonpans.

Beyond these curated options, a handy feature of the Go Jauntly app is that it will generate a walk that caters to your needs, wherever you are. You set the parameters and off you go!

Further information is available at: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/on-foot  or 

Sign up now: https://walks.gojauntly.com/challenges/east-lothian-steps-challenge-1032