May is ‘National Walking Week’, and according to the  latest Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey, Orkney islanders feel the safest in Scotland when out walking and wheeling

Orkney Island residents rated the area the highest in Scotland for safety when out walking and wheeling alone, the latest Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey has revealed. This insight comes as Walking Scotland mark National Walking Month.

Data showed that 87% of residents feel safe walking and wheeling alone, both during the day or after dark – the highest safety rating reported across all 32 Scottish local authorities.

73% of Orkney residents walk or wheel every day, compared to the national average of 57%. 60% rated the availability of walking routes connecting local places as good, and 32% reported facing no barriers such as pavement parking, litter, or overgrown paths.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive at Walking Scotland, said:

“It’s heartening to hear this National Walking Month how safe many residents of the Orkney Islands feel when out walking and wheeling. This data shows that where paths and local environments are safe, people can choose to walk and wheel more often.

“However, we know there’s still work to be done to make walking and wheeling more accessible for Orkney residents.”

Better quality pavements and paths (32%), feeling safer when walking after dark (32%) and better lighting along pavements and paths (24%) were all cited as changes that would encourage adults across Scotland to walk and wheel more.

The charity wants more people to be able to choose to walk and wheel for everyday journeys due to the health, wellbeing and economic benefits. They are celebrating National Walking Month by sharing inspiration to get people walking and wheeling more, wherever they live.

Kevin continued:

“This National Walking Month we want communities across Scotland to be inspired to walk and wheel. All communities should have access to safe walking and wheeling routes.”

Making walking and wheeling part of every day life is at the heart of Walking Scotland’s mission. By delivering programmes across communities, schools and workplaces, the charity continues to inspire people across Scotland to move more, feel better, and take steps toward a healthier, greener future.

National Walking Month runs throughout May. To find out more and get inspired to walk or wheel more, visit: https://walkingscotland.org.uk  

Read the full report here: Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey 2025  

56 Degree Insight was commissioned by Walking Scotland to undertake a national survey of the Scottish population. An online survey approach was used with a sample drawn from a quality assured online panel, providing robust population coverage.

Fieldwork took place from 16 June to 7 July 2025 with a total sample of 2,009 adult residents in Scotland.