WHEN A SHORT WALK FEELS LIKE A BIG STEP: MENTAL WELLBEING WALKING CHARITY LAUNCHES NEW ‘EVERYDAY MOUNTAINS’ CHALLENGE
- Marking National Walking Month (May) and Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11-17 May)
- The ‘Everyday Mountains’ challenge reframes mental health and wellbeing as a series of small, manageable steps rather than a peak to be conquered
- Launched by UK charity Mind Over Mountains, supported by Mountain Warehouse and Go Jauntly
A new nationwide walking challenge is inviting people across the UK to step outside and take action for their mental wellbeing this May – one small walk at a time. The Everyday Mountains Challenge, created by wellbeing walking charity Mind Over Mountains launches on 1 May 2026 to mark National Walking Month and Mental Health Awareness Week.
The free challenge encourages participants to walk roughly 5km a day – but with a clear message: this is not a fitness challenge. It’s designed to support people to build simple, manageable walking habits that help them feel better, with no pressure or judgement.
At a time when 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year[i], the need for accessible, preventative support has never been greater. Evidence shows that:
- Even 10 minutes of walking can boost mood and increase alertness[ii]
- Time spent in nature can reduce stress and improve wellbeing[iii]
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%[iv]
Zoe Tehrani, aged 40 from London, started hiking as a way to help with her depression. Talking about why she signed up for the Everyday Mountains Challenge she said: “It’s a good way to keep me motivated to get outdoors on the days I don’t feel like it, and it feels inspiring being part of a community of others doing the challenge. I think it will be fun having a goal to aim for.”
Ian Boyd, CEO of Mind Over Mountains, said: “We know that getting outside and walking can have a profound positive impact on how people feel – but when life feels heavy, even a short walk can feel like a big step. This challenge is about making that step feel possible. It’s here to support people, not push them – to help them take action for their wellbeing in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. The challenge reflects a powerful idea at the heart of our work at Mind Over Mountains, that we all face our own “everyday mountains” and small steps can help us overcome them.”
For many, taking that first step can feel like the hardest part. The Everyday Mountains Challenge, supported by Mountain Warehouse , has been designed to remove those barriers; offering a supportive, flexible way for people to take action for their wellbeing. Using the Go Jauntly app, participants can track progress, receive gentle prompts and stay motivated.
Mark Neale, CEO & Founder at Mountain Warehouse, said: “”We’re proud to be supporting Mind Over Mountains on a campaign that makes mental wellbeing feel more accessible. The Everyday Mountains Challenge is a great reminder that getting outside, even for a short walk, can help you clear your head and feel a bit more like yourself again.”
Hana Sutch, Co-founder of Go Jauntly, said: “We’re often told to ‘just go for a walk’ – but for many people, that’s not as simple as it sounds. Not everyone feels confident, motivated, or even sure where to start. This challenge gives people a gentle, supportive way in – helping them build a habit that feels achievable and genuinely beneficial for their wellbeing.”
Mind Over Mountains runs wellbeing walks and retreats across the UK, combining time outside in nature with professional mental health support. More than 90% of the participants report long-term improvements in their wellbeing. The Everyday Mountains Challenge builds on this approach; offering a simple, accessible way for anyone to experience the benefits of walking outdoors. Participants can also choose to fundraise to support the charity’s work, helping more people access free, supported wellbeing walks across the UK.
The challenge is free to join and open to all.
For more information and to sign up, go to the website or your local Mountain Warehouse store and start walking.
[i] 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year – NHS / Mind / Mental Health Foundation (widely cited UK statistic)
[ii] 10 minutes of walking can boost mood and alertness – University of Essex / experimental studies (e.g. Effects of a 10-minute brisk walk on mood, PMC, 2018)
[iii] Time in nature reduces stress and improves wellbeing – Loughborough University research (2025)
[iv] Physical activity can reduce risk of depression by up to 30% – Mental Health Foundation, Movement and Mental Health Report (2024)
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