THE South West is known as a top walking region, and new research confirms that the region’s residents are making full use of what’s on offer with 81 per cent of adults in the region regularly walking.

Ten per cent walk more than 50 miles a month.

Despite this, according to the survey’s findings, 60 per cent of people in the south west still wish they got out and walked more.

As walking makes 87 per cent of South West people happy, the National Trust wants to encourage more people to get out and about.

People in the region said the best things about walking are the places or things they discover en route, and that it offers space to think, 93 per cent simply enjoy the feeling of being in the fresh air, 78 per cent say the best thing about walking are the memories made with family and friends.

This is notably special for respondents from Dorset, with 91 per cent focusing on this benefit.

The notorious British weather is a barrier for many, with 29 per cent saying they do not walk as much as they’d like due to the unpredictable UK weather.

More than 40 per cent of respondents in Dorset and Cornwall focused on this. However people in Gloucestershire and Devon seem more resilient, as only 14 per cent and 19 per cent respectively blamed the weather.

The National Trust is encouraging everyone to join in with the campaign, get out for a walk and share their walking photos on twitter, instagram and facebook at #GBwalk