It’s Time to Walk the Loch in 2026 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

 

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is encouraging people to sign up with their friends and family to take part in the Walk the Loch event at Loch Leven on Sunday 29th March. 

Participants can choose to walk 7K, 12K or 21K while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail while helping to raise vital funds for the charity. 

Those funds help support people like Nancy Barron. 

After supporting her husband Kevin to recover from a life-changing stroke, little did Nancy think she would have to fight her own battle just three years later. 

Nancy, from Perthshire, is taking part in the walk for the fifth time this year. She said: “Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland were there for me and helped me find my way back to the person I was before the stroke. 

“Stroke took away my voice and my love of reading and writing. I could never have imagined suddenly losing the ability to read or write. And when it happened to me, I felt so lost. 

“When I got home from hospital, I didn’t know where to turn. I couldn’t speak properly, and my biggest fear was that I would never be able to get the words out again. 

“Then I got a call from Hazel at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. That call was a lifeline. 

“I joined Hazel’s online support group and she introduced me to a volunteer called Sam who has been amazing. 

“CHSS was there for me and helped me find my way back to the person I was before the stroke.” 

All three routes start and finish at Loch Leven’s Larder, offer amazing views and are suitable for all ages and abilities.  

The walks are all signposted along well-maintained footpaths and it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family as well as four-legged friends.  

Stephanie Wilks, Community Events & Corporate Fundraiser at CHSS, said: “As we say goodbye to winter there’s no better way to get a spring in your step than by taking part in the Walk the Loch, Loch Leven event. 

“Not only is it a chance to get your friends and family together to sample some of the best views you can experience in Scotland but you’re also doing your part to help us support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland with a chest, heart, stroke condition and Long Covid.

“By taking part you are helping CHSS to provide services, support and advice to people with our conditions and their families and carers to ensure that there is no life half lived in Scotland.” 

Walk the Loch, Loch Leven is a fabulous and fun day out for the whole family so step out this spring and step up to help make sure people across Scotland get the vital support they need to live their lives to the full. 

The Bonnie Stroll (7K) and Heather Half (12K) Walks have no sponsorship minimum and there’s a family treasure hunt along the Bonnie Stroll. 

For the Big Loch Lap (21k) entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £150 sponsorship for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. £10 goes towards this target when you register, leaving just £140 to raise. CHSS will provide all the support you need to help you meet and beat your fundraising goal. 

To book your space on the day please go to – www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/events/walk-the-loch-loch-leven-2026. 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.