Academics count walking calories

Researchers will compile statistics for rural and urban routes in east Kent

Health chiefs trying to combat obesity have asked academics to investigate the calorific value of walking.

Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) wanted to promote a healthier lifestyle, a spokesman said.

He said "firm evidence" about calories burned on routes in its Healthwalks scheme would help the PCT to promote "this type of healthy exercise".

Experts from Canterbury Christ Church University will be compiling statistics over the next three months.

They will be investigating the calorific value and the number of steps used for different urban and rural routes across Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Dover and Sturry.

Aims of the research project are to combat obesity and encourage people to swap driving for walking.

HEALTHWALKS ROUTES IN MILES Canterbury city wall - 1.74 Dover castle circular - 1.38 Dover high street circular - 1.66 Dover seafront - 1.14 Dover triangle community centre to Pencester bus station - 1.63 Herne Bay circular - 1.77 Herne Bay seafront - 1.26 Sturry Road park 'n' ride in Canterbury to Northgate - 1.52 Whitstable circular - 1.48 Whitstable seafront - 1.10

Dr Kate Woolf-May, from the university's department of sport science, said: "This project aims to directly address dwindling physical activity levels and encourage people to take full advantage of the natural and historical beauty spots that are situated right on their doorsteps.

"Walking is an environmentally friendly activity which costs nothing.

"These 'calorie walks' could encourage more local people to walk regularly and, ultimately, make a real difference to Kent residents' physical health and wellbeing."

The PCT spokesman said: "One of our aims is to encourage our population to lead a healthier lifestyle.

"One of the ways we do this is to promote the Healthwalks scheme.

"If we can have firm evidence about how many calories are used up whilst on a Healthwalk, we are better able to promote this type of healthy exercise to the public."