Residents of Neilston are being encouraged to step forward and help shape the future of walking and wheeling in their community.
Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All, and a recently established Neilston Walking Forum have launched a local consultation to better understand the walking and wheeling habits of Neilston locals.
The initiative aims to uncover any barriers that prevent people from walking or wheeling, whether for leisure, commuting, or connecting to public transport. The feedback, learning and insights gained from the consultation will help to identify ways to reduce barriers, increase accessibility and encourage local people to choose to travel actively for everyday journeys.
As part of the consultation, organisers are keen to hear from a diverse range of voices, abilities and experiences.
Whether a parent with a buggy, someone with mobility challenges, or a young person navigating busy roads, input from the community is vital to ensure walking and wheeling in Neilston is accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
The consultation will take the form of an online survey, running until mid-February, alongside a series of drop-in sessions at The Bank, Neilston. Residents are invited to share their views in person on:
- Tuesday 28th January, 12 – 4 pm
- Friday 31st January, 3 – 8 pm
- Tuesday 4th February, 12 – 4 pm
- Thursday 6th February, 1 – 4pm
Richard Armstrong, Walking Communities Manager at Paths for All, said: “Walking is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
“This consultation is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Neilston to have their say on what could make walking and wheeling easier and more enjoyable for everyone in the community.”
Paths for All is on a mission to support everyone in Scotland to walk every day, creating a happier, healthier, and greener nation. With backing from the Scottish Government and other partners, the charity delivers national policies such as the National Walking Strategy and supports initiatives that promote active travel.
Anwar Rafiq from Neilston Well Walks said: “This consultation is a vital opportunity for Neilston residents to shape how we move around our community.
“We know our streets and paths better than anyone, and understanding the challenges people face – whether they’re pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or walking to catch the train – will help create solutions that work for everyone.
“I encourage all residents to take part, either online or at the drop-in sessions at The Bank. Your experiences and ideas are crucial in making Neilston a more accessible and connected community for all.”
The Neilston consultation forms part of a new communities initiative led by Paths for All to target areas where walking and wheeling interventions can make the biggest impact.
Made up of volunteers, social care organisations and representatives from the local authority, the Neilston Walking Forum will use the consultation findings to develop a community action plan which enables and encourages walking and wheeling
The plan may include proposals for infrastructure improvements, path repairs, or Health Walk programmes, with Paths for All providing support to deliver these actions.
Richard added: “Daily walking doesn’t just benefit individuals—it has the power to reduce some of Scotland’s biggest health inequalities, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and cut emissions by reducing reliance on short car journeys.
“That’s why we’re so passionate about empowering communities like Neilston to embrace walking as part of everyday life.”
Walking is a simple, effective, and free way to improve mental health, with Paths for All’s Walking and Wheeling Attitudes Survey revealing that 77% of Scots feel walking helps clear their head and boost their mood. By creating more walking opportunities and addressing barriers, the Neilston consultation seeks to ensure walking is an option for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
To take part in the survey, visit the site here or share your views in person at one of the drop-in sessions.