Explore Kirkcaldy on foot this winter with a new walking festival

Locals are being invited to put on their hats, scarves and gloves and step out in Kirkcaldy as part of a new winter walking festival.
Locals are being invited to explore the town by taking part in the first Kirkcaldy Winter Walking Festival.Locals are being invited to explore the town by taking part in the first Kirkcaldy Winter Walking Festival.
Locals are being invited to explore the town by taking part in the first Kirkcaldy Winter Walking Festival.

Greener Kirkcaldy is encouraging people to wrap up, spend time outdoors and connect with nature again by taking part in the first online Kirkcaldy Winter Walking Festival next month.

Over 700 people took part in Greener Kirkcaldy’s online Kirkcaldy Walking Festival in August, sharing photos of their walks and stories about how walking helped them cope with lockdown.

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One person walked an astonishing 133,953 steps during the festival week, which is about 60 miles!

People can also take part in weekly Sunday cycle rides to explore new routes around Kirkcaldy and further afield.People can also take part in weekly Sunday cycle rides to explore new routes around Kirkcaldy and further afield.
People can also take part in weekly Sunday cycle rides to explore new routes around Kirkcaldy and further afield.

And following its success, Greener Kirkcaldy is re-launching an online programme of walks again in January, with self-guided walks from a range of local groups and organisations suitable for all audiences and abilities.

The environmental charity is also be running a competition throughout January asking locals to share their walking photos on social media using the hashtag #KirkcaldyWalkFest for a chance to win a £30 Kirkcaldy Gift Card.

The group is also keen to hear people’s adventures, so wants locals to share their stories and routes too.

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People can also join one of their weekly Sunday cycle rides to explore new routes around Kirkcaldy and further afield. Each week is different and there are walks suitable for beginners, more experienced cyclists and families.

Lauren Parry, project co-ordinator, said: “Going out when it’s dark and cold might seem unappealing, but taking a break from our screens, and getting some natural light can really improve our mood.

“As well improving our physical health, getting outside, doing some exercise and spending some time in nature leads to better sleep, reduced anxiety, reduces your risk of chronic health conditions, improves your immune system and simply makes us happier!”

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“Take a lunchtime walk, go for a weekend cycle ride or put on the layers and spend some time in the garden – you’ll feel much better.”

And to bring some cheer and help locals connect with nature when we have to be indoors, Greener Kirkcaldy have also planned some family friendly online events in January and February, including online wildlife workshops with Wild Planet Explorers and some online storytelling sessions.

Find the walking festival program

me and upcoming event dates on the Greener Kirkcaldy website

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