Walking for All, a new community walking programme and major cross-border initiative led by Outscape and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), is getting its walking shoes on. The programme, which is bringing free, regular walks to rural communities across the border counties and Northern Ireland, is inviting everyone in Louth to step out this May and join a local walk.
Across May, Ireland embraces Spring, with flowers in bloom, lengthening days and mild temperatures, making it the perfect month to encourage people to walk more as a simple, powerful way to improve their health and wellbeing and connect with their neighbours. Alongside UK National Walking Month is taking place. During the month, Walking for All is encouraging as many people as possible to step out by joining their local Walking for All walk.
Since its launch in February 2026, Walking for All has been working with communities across Louth to establish free, welcoming walking groups right on people’s doorsteps, which are led by trained, Walk Leaders from within those communities. The walks take place every week, and last from 10 minutes to 1 hour, and are open to adults of all ages and abilities.
The programme is already making a difference locally across Louth Commenting ahead of May, Grainne O’Brien said;
“May is the perfect moment for anyone in Louth to take that first step with us. Our walks are completely free, they happen every week, right in your own community and they’re open to everyone, whatever your age or ability.
What I love most about our walk is the friendships and connections being made. It’s more than walking, its building a community, getting to know your neighbours and having a lot of laughs along the way, all while helping each other stay active! People come for the walk and stay for the chat. I’d love to see more people join us this May.”
Walking for All is led by Outscape and delivered in partnership with eight local councils in Northern Ireland and six Local Sports partnerships across the border counties of Ireland. The programme aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years building healthier, more connected rural communities and helping to address social isolation, inactivity and support mental health.
Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, for Outscape and Walking for All said; “We hope spring in Ireland inspires people right across Louth to step out and discover what Walking for All is all about. Walking for All walks are completely free, they happen every week in the heart of your community, and they are genuinely open to everyone, whatever your background or ability – including those walking and wheeling. We’d love to see more people join us this May.”
Odhrán Doherty from Louth Local Sports Partnership said: ‘’National Walking Month is a great opportunity for people across Louth to get active, enjoy their local community, and experience the many physical and mental health benefits of walking. Through our Walking for All programme, we are delighted to offer free, inclusive and social walking opportunities led by trained officers, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or ability—can take part and feel welcome.”
Walks are already taking place every week in Louth led by trained Walk Leaders from the local community. All walks are free to attend no special equipment is required. During May, people are encouraged to search for walks in their local area and register via www.walkingforall.com
Also taking place across Ireland 18-24 May is National Volunteer Week. Grainne O’Brien is currently offering free Walk Leader training for anyone interested in setting up a regular community walk in their area and helping others to get active. Walk Leaders receive full support and training, and no previous experience is required.
To search for a walk, register for the programme or find out how to become a Walk Leader, visit www.walkingforall.com
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.