“Magic Mirror on the Wall”: is Nordic walking or rambling better for your mental well-being?

There is accumulating evidence that walking has health benefits. While millions of people in the United Kingdom have long benefitted from rambling, Nordic walking is a relative newcomer to the shores of Britain. Which of these forms of walking is better for your mental wellbeing? This study set out to compare both forms of walking and measured their effects on mental wellbeing using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), through an on-line survey. In addition both groups of walkers were asked about socio-environmental influences on their walking. Some 508 participants completed the online survey, which assessed socio-environmental factors on participation in both walking activities and mental well-being. This study showed both walking groups had higher mental well-being scores than the “normal population” for the WEMWBS. However, there were no significant differences in contribution to mental well-being between the two walking groups. Socio-environmental analysis revealed that in Nordic walking the role of the instructor was critical, whereas in rambling friends’ support, weather conditions and the aesthetics of the environment were important factors for participation. This study diversified the concept of leisure walking by distinguishing between rambling and Nordic walking in terms of their differing contributions towards mental well-being