Islanders invited to ‘Go Greece'!

Spring Steps Challenge 2026 walkers’ success and introducing the Autumn 2026 Step Challenge

Following the success of Miles Around the Isles, NHS Western Isles is delighted to launch our Autumn step challenge, Go Greece. Participants will embark on a virtual journey through Greece, visiting 14 historic landmarks while increasing their physical activity and exploring a new destination from home.

The Miles Around the Isles Step Challenge concluded on 26 June with 229 participants virtually travelling across 27 Scottish islands spanning the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. Across 98 teams, participants achieved an outstanding 185.6 million steps, covering 80,039.7 miles and averaging more than 2.18 million steps every day. Impressively, 46 teams completed the full island circuit from Bute to Unst, demonstrating exceptional commitment, teamwork and determination.

To recognise achievements at every level, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented across a range of performance categories. Congratulations to Miles with Rory, who secured Team Gold with an impressive 4,300.9 km (5,697,471 steps).

Sandra Fairgrieve also received a special award, having achieved the highest individual step count. Silver awards were presented to Amie Mierings (Individual) and Rockall (Team), while Colin Neil Macaldowie and Lochies 1 earned Bronze awards. Liz from Lochies 1 received an additional award in recognition of her individual performance, which would have secured Silver in the individual category.

This year also saw the introduction of a new Most Improved Walker category. Congratulations to Margaret Campbell (Gold), Wendy Brown (Silver) and Dolly Govig (Bronze) for their outstanding progress throughout the challenge.

Commenting on the success of the programme, Colum Durkan, NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, said: “Participants’ achievements highlight the positive impact of the challenge, empowering people to reach personal goals and build lasting habits that support their health and wellbeing.”

We would also like to thank HITRANS for funding the Big Team Challenge app and the prize programme.

Feedback from participants highlights the challenge's positive impact. Of the 46 respondents to the post-challenge survey, 74% reported becoming more physically active, almost 70% said they spent more time outdoors, and 50% experienced improvements in their mental wellbeing. Many participants described the challenge as a valuable motivator to increase daily activity, spend quality time with family, and explore a virtual route that felt closer to home.

Registration for the next step challenge, Go Greece, closes at midnight on Friday 28th August 2026, and the 12-week challenge runs until 20th November 2026. The challenge is free and open to Outer Hebrides residents aged 16 and over.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4y9PFC8XAD

For further information, please contact Jessica Wood at jessica.wood3@nhs.scot or 01851 708055.