Pupils across Wales joined by special guest as they take steps to be healthier and happier

Pupils at schools across Wales have joined children and families across the UK to take part in Walk to School Week (16-20 May), a five day walking challenge during National Walking Month.

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, and aims to get pupils and parents enjoying the many health and social benefits that walking to school brings.

Strider, the Living Streets mascot, has travelled across Wales during Walk to School Week to meet pupils who are walking to school. Strider started the week in Caerphilly on Monday before moving on to Blaneau Gwent on Tuesday, Cardiff on Wednesday, Neath on Thursday and will end the week in Bridgend on Friday.

Last year, over 14,000 classes took part in Walk to School Week; that’s approximately 400,000 children walking to school.  With more schools and academies signed up this year, it looks like it’s going to be bigger than ever.

Currently one in three children leaves primary school obese or overweight and inactivity is costing the Welsh NHS £650 million a year. Walk to School Week is a great place to start getting children more active and can lead to year-round activity.

Rachel Maycock, Living Streets Cymru Manager, said: 

“We’re really happy that schools across Wales are taking part in Walk to School Week. Walking to school is an easy and free way for children to get more active and stay healthy.

“Teachers confirm that pupils who walk to school are more alert, ready to learn and achieve better grades than those who are driven. Plus, a massive 23 per cent of peak-time traffic is made up of those on the school run so the more children we get walking, the fewer cars there are around the school gates.

“I hope an appearance from Strider makes the week even more special for the schools involved. We look forward to hearing what difference Walk to School Week makes to their pupils’ health and happiness.”