Isles folk are being urged to improve their health by ‘going to Greece’ as part of a virtual journey devised by the NHS to get people walking.
Following the success of Miles Around the Isles, NHS Western Isles has launched its Autumn step challenge, ‘Go Greece’
Participants will embark on a virtual journey through Greece, visiting 14 historic landmarks while increasing their physical activity and exploring a new destination from home.
The Miles Around the Isles Step Challenge ended on 26 June with 229 participants virtually travelling across 27 Scottish islands spanning the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland
Across 98 teams, participants achieved an outstanding 185.6 million steps, covering 80,039.7 miles and averaging more than 2.18 million steps every day. A total of 46 teams completed the full island circuit from Bute to Unst, demonstrating exceptional commitment, teamwork and determination.
To recognise achievements at every level, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented across a range of performance categories. Congratulations were. offered to Miles with Rory, who secured Team Gold with an impressive 4,300.9 km (5,697,471 steps).
Walk organisers report Sandra Fairgrieve also received a special award, having achieved the highest individual step count. Silver awards were presented to Amie Mierings (Individual) and Rockall (Team), while Colin Neil Macaldowie and Lochies 1 earned Bronze awards. Liz from Lochies 1 received an additional award in recognition of her individual performance, which would have secured Silver in the individual category.
A Most Improved Walker category was introduced this year and won by Margaret Campbell (Gold), Wendy Brown (Silver) and Dolly Govig (Bronze).
Colum Durkan, NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, described the programme as a success, adding: “Participants’ achievements highlight the positive impact of the challenge, empowering people to reach personal goals and build lasting habits that support their health and wellbeing.”
Organisers paid tribute to HITRANS for funding the Big Team Challenge app and the prize programme.
Registration for the next step challenge, Go Greece, closes at midnight on Friday 28 August 2026, and the 12-week challenge runs until 20 November 2026. The challenge is free and open to Outer Hebrides residents aged 16 and over. Register here:
For further information, please contact Jessica Wood at
