Step Up for Health: Community Step Count Challenge Launched!
An exciting fitness challenge for residents of Danderhall and Shawfair in Midlothian was officially launched today (Tuesday 13 January).
Collaboration
Midlothian Council and national charity, Walking Scotland have collaborated to launch this free 4 week fun Step Count Challenge for residents of new developments in the area.
Aim
The purpose of the challenge is to not only promote fitness but also to bring people together because there are lots of new people moving into the area.
A first
Midlothian is the first local authority area that Walking Scotland are running this community challenge.
Sign up by Sunday 1 February
The challenge kicks off on Monday 2 February 2026 and runs until Sunday 1 March 2026. All you need to take part is get a team of five together!
How it works
Participants will have access to the Walking Scotland Step Count Challenge dashboard, where they can:
- Track progress and log steps
- Earn virtual badges
- Check team and community leaderboards
- Chat and celebrate with teammates
- Grow a virtual forest (based on estimated CO₂ savings)
Prizes
There will be a prize for the winning team with the highest total step count. However, it’s not just about the highest step count - there will also be a Spirit of Step Count Challenge Award to recognise the most inspiring teammate with participants being asked to nominate a teammate who they feel embodied the spirit of the challenge.
Why take part?
There are lots of benefits for participants
- Boost physical and mental wellbeing
- Connect with neighbours and colleagues
- Discover local walking routes and community highlights
Keeping motivated
Walking Scotland will keep participants motivated with weekly emails, mini competitions, and prizes.
Eligibility
To join, you must live or work in Danderhall or Shawfair and have a postcode starting with EH22 1.
Teams
One person registers a team of five, and each team-mate creates an account on the Step Count Challenge platform to log steps and interact.
Not just walking
Walking, running, and wheeling are all included. Wheelchair users can participate by setting their default activity to wheeling.
Spread the word
If you live in Danderhall or Shawfair, please share information on this Step Count Challenge with friends, family and neighbours in the area by word of mouth or on neighbourhood WhatsApp or Facebook groups. Walking Scotland are also happy to come meet with community groups or attend local events to share more information on this. If you are interested in requesting a talk or presentation about this locally then please email rachael.prothero@walkingscotland.org.uk.
Positive Impact
Walking Scotland Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lafferty said:
"At Walking Scotland, we want everyone to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. This Step Count Challenge is a great opportunity for residents of Danderhall and Shawfair to make a positive impact on their health, communities and environment."
Healthy habits
Cllr Colin Cassidy, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Active Travel said:
“This challenge is a fantastic way to bring the community together, encourage healthy habits, and make walking fun. We hope as many residents as possible will take part and enjoy the benefits.”
Register Now
Need more info?
If you have any questions, please email scc@walkingscotland.org.uk.
Photo caption:
The Danderhall and Shawfair Community Step Count Challenge was launched today at the Millerhill Community Hub. Pictured from left to right are Midlothian Councillor Cllr Colin Cassidy, Active Travel Marketing Officer, Oliver Caron-Nowak, Walking Scotland representatives CEO Kevin Lafferty and Corporate & Community Fundraiser Rachael Prothero.
Walking Scotland
Walking Scotland is a charity that helps make walking and wheeling a part of everyday life. They promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social, and mental health. Their programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. They also work to improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.
Walking Scotland advocates for making walking and wheeling inclusive. They work with partners and local communities to reduce barriers. This ensures everyone has the chance to walk or wheel everywhere they go. By focusing on walking and wheeling, they are helping to solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.