Walking

Scottish’s walking groups provide both recreational and competitive opportunities, with the recreational programme especially well supported and offering regular walks, social connection, and involvement in club events across the year.

A core group of competitive walkers takes part in the summer track season from October through to March, while the recreational side of Scottish attracts anywhere from 12 to 20 members on walks around Wellington.

During the summer track season the competitive walkers meet at Newtown Park and take part in judged races on the track. They and the recreational walkers meet when no competitive meeting is being held, usually every second Saturday. These walks are organised at various venues around Wellington, with groups for those who prefer flat routes, hill walks, a slower amble, or a faster pace on the flat. Walks usually last between 1 and 1.5 hours. These outings are often joined by a few runners who do their own training before returning to socialise with the group. Afterwards, most attendees head to a local café or pub.

During the winter season, the walking group has a programme every Saturday afternoon, with recreational walkers meeting at venues around Wellington for a walk followed by the usual socialising. When an interclub event is scheduled, the group usually meets at the venue to walk beforehand and stay on to support the Scottish runners competing, or support the competitive walkers if a walking event is included.

Beyond these regular club outings, some weekends also include broader regional walking opportunities linked to the interclub programme, bringing together Scottish and other clubs for recreational and race walking events.

The walkers also take part in their own club handicap events during the year, including the Peter Tearle Trophy and the Cole Land Cup. These are organised as part of the club calendar and, on occasion, other club’s walking groups are invited to join us. There are other trophies that are awarded based on points gained for participation in club races and interclub races throughout the winter season.