Many people enjoy walking as a recreation, and it is one of the best forms of exercise. For some walking is a way to enjoy nature and the outdoors and for others the physical, sporting and endurance aspect is more important. Other variants of walking are scrambling, racewalking, snow shoeing, nordic walking, walking tours, trekking, hiking and power walking.

Numerous walking festivals, walking tours, walking trips and other walking events take place each year all over the world. The world's largest walking event is the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen in the Netherlands. In Britain, The Ramblers is the largest organisation that looks after the interests of walkers, with some 139,000 members. Its "Get Walking Keep Walking" project provides free routes guides, led walks, as well information for people new to walking.

Common walking injuries

Regular, brisk exercise of any kind can improve confidence, stamina, energy, and reduce stress. Scientific studies have also shown that walking, besides its physical benefits, is also beneficial for the mind, improving concentration.

Walking is a relatively low risk activity, however walking injuries are still common.

The most common walking injuries are blisters on feet, sore hips and knees and cuts and scrapes. Twisted ankles and damage to knee ligaments are also common problems.

Insurance for walking

Sportsinsurance4u offers a variety of walking insurance plans.

Sports Accident Insurance

General & Medical via Sportsinsurance4u can offer you a comprehensive range of walking personal accident insurance providing cash benefits for walking injuries such as breaks and dislocations, as well as income protection and disablement cover. Cover is also available for accidental injury whilst travelling to and from a training session, competition or whilst on an organised tour.

Get a Sports Accident Insurance quote

Sports Health Insurance

Our Sports Health Insurance for people participating in walking offers all of the standard benefits of Private Health Insurance along with important cover for sports related injuries.

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As an alternative for walkers, General & Medical can also offer Private Health Insurance for you and your family, whether you are on a budget or whether you are looking for the most comprehensive levels of protection.

Get a Private Health Insurance quote