Miles around the Isles this Spring!

We are excited to announce the return of the NHS Western Isles Step Count Challenge, funded by HITRANS. This Spring participants will have free access to a virtual route 27 of Scotland’s Islands on the Big Team Challenge App. The route includes Vatersay, Barra, South Uist, North Uist, Berneray, St Kilda, Harris and Lewis. The challenge will continue for a 12-week period starting from Friday 3rd April and concluding on Friday 26th June 2026.

In response to feedback received from teams who were looking for a slightly longer challenge than the Winter Step Challenge around the Caribbean Island, we have extended the total distance for this challenge to 748.6 miles. However, to honour requests from participants who found the last challenge too far to complete as a smaller team or individual, participants will be able to choose which of the 27 Scottish Island milestones they wish to complete. This new format provides a challenge at all levels, whilst still offering the support of the camaraderie enjoyed by past participants.

It is important that those taking part recognise that any increase to their daily steps can benefit their health and wellbeing. The widely believed “10,000 steps per day” goal has been challenged by recent evidence showing that as little 3500 steps per day could benefit health, with additional benefits at each increase. Therefore, the ‘Miles around the Isles’ registration form encourages those joining the challenge to look at what their own individual daily step count is and build on that.

Many people have quite sedentary, desk-based jobs, and may therefore struggle to achieve even the minimum 3500 recommended on a typical day. In recognition of this, the app’s activity-to-steps conversion tool will be permitted on this challenge, to allow people to add activities other than walking to their steps total, such as exercise classes, gardening or other household chores. This aligns with the physical activity guidelines “Sit less, Move More”. Increasing our physical activity can benefit our health through:

• improved cardiovascular health,
• better weight management,
• stronger muscles and bones,
• enhanced mental health,
• improved blood sugar control,
• better sleep,
• increased longevity,
• enhanced mobility and flexibility,
• improved digestion and,
• boosted immune system.  

Respondents of the Winter Challenge closing survey commented on the sense of camaraderie provided by the team leaderboard and found this a strong motivator to keep going. However, some participants taking part as an individual found it more difficult to keep going last time, so we will work with our “Walk on Hebrides” volunteer Walk Leaders to offer a series of in-person group walks in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra across the 12 weeks to support everyone to stay motivated, socialise and have fun.

Laura MacKay, NHS Western Isles Health Improvement Practitioner, said: “We are proud of the positive experiences of our Winter Step Challenge walkers across the Western Isles. An incredible 309 participants logged a total of 241,546,392 steps across the 12 weeks. We hope new and old walkers will be encouraged to join the Spring 26’ Challenge, with a choice of milestones and a series of in-person events to provide additional support to those who need it.”

HITRANS have supported this initiative by funding prize incentives, including £10 Shop Local Na H-Eileanan an Iar Gift Cards to be won along the way, and Gold/Silver/Bronze prizes from £50 – £150 to be awarded at the end of the challenge. The final prizes will be split into ability categories to ensure incentives for all abilities.

Colum Durkan, Director of Public Health, NHS Western Isles, said: “We were delighted to see so many walkers getting out, improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing during the previous challenges. The Spring Step Challenge will motivate people in all island areas to maintain their good walking habits!”

Registration closes at midnight on Friday 4th April. The challenge will run for 12 weeks finishing on Friday 26th June 2026. The challenge is free and open to residents of the Outer Hebrides aged 16 years and over.

To register visit this link: https://forms.office.com/e/54LJ3P0H0d

For further information on the challenge please contact Laura Mackay by emailing laura.mackay15@nhs.scot or telephoning 01851 708055.