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The Waterways Trust is a registered Charity in England and Wales (1074541) and in Scotland (SCO39264)

Projects and Appeals > Scotland > Feet First

Feet First

Feet First is a free guided walking programme developed by The Waterways Trust Scotland. The aims of the project are to:

  • provide an opportunity for people to walk in a safe, friendly environment which benefits both physical and mental wellbeing;
  • provide information about Scottish canals, their heritage and the environment;
  • promote and encourage walking along waterways and other natural environments as an enjoyable and educational form of exercise; and
  • teach people taking part about water safety.

Since 2007 The Waterways Trust Scotland has enabled people living in Falkirk, Edinburgh and now North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire to learn about the area where they live, its history and wildlife.

Feet First Forth & Clyde 2009 ran throughout April and May. Participants of all ages enjoyed a series of nine waterway and woodland walks in the Kelvin Valley. Walk locations included the Forth & Clyde Canal, River Kelvin, Dumbreck Marsh Nature Reserve, Bar Hill and Croy Hill Roman forts and the Antonine Wall.

Feet First Edinburgh 2009 is now underway. The community group focus this time has seen specific target groups discover, explore and enjoy the Union Canal and Water of Leith, led by a trained walk leader.

Many in these groups, which include lung rehabilitation patients, would not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy these walks which are right on their own doorstep. Occasional walks, open to the general public will be organised throughout the year. For more information visit www.feetfirstcanalwalks.com or contact Alan Forrester on 07768 951 740 or info@feetfirstcanalwalks.com

To see our Feet First Edinburgh video click here.

Feet First for children

The Trust also runs Feet First for children in partnership with local primary schools, enabling young people to discover more about their local environment and take the first steps to a healthier life. Since Feet First started, around 200 children and adults have earned the Discovery Level John Muir Award using the walks as a vehicle to 'Discover a wild place, Explore it, Do something to help Conserve it and Share their experience'. The Waterways Trust is an approved John Muir Award provider.

Since 2007 the following primary schools have taken part in Feet First: Feet First Falkirk 2007: Cairmuirs Primary School and Wallacestone Primary School
Feet First Falkirk Summer 2008: Families summer programme (no schools).
Feet First Falkirk Autumn 2008: Laurieston Primary School, and Westquarter Primary School
Feet First Edinburgh 2008: Canal View Primary School and Tollcross Primary School
Feet First Forth & Clyde 2009: Banton Primary School, Kilsyth Primary School, Hillhead Primary School and Twechar Primary School
Feet First Falkirk 2009: Easter Carmuirs Primary School and Hallglen Primary School
Feet First Edinburgh 2009: Clovenstone Primary School and Longstone Primary School.

Funders: Various funders to date have included Paths to Health, Scottish Natural Heritage, Big Lottery Awards for All, Action Outdoors, Forestry Commission Scotland and a Private Donor.