Ramblers Challenge Politicos To Count Steps...

The good old Ramblers Association is lobbying hard for outdoors interests in the lead-up to the general election by challenging candidates to, erm, wear a pedometer.

The RA is asking the vote-seeking poiliticos to aim for 10,000 steps per day as they wander the streets of their prospective constituencies kissing babies and pressing the flesh. Those who accept the challenge, say the red-socked ones, will be given a free pedometer and record their success or otherwise on a daily basis.

It's not as daft as it might sound. Okay, it is as daft as it might sound, but there's a bit of method there. The government's commitment to improving the health and fitness of the nation means that it makes sense to emphasise the health benefits of walking to politicians for the general benefit of the outdoors.

Chris Smith, the former MP for Islington and current President of the Ramblers' Association, says, "Walking is not just enjoyable and fun; it's also the very best way to get some exercise, blow away the cobwebs, and keep fit and healthy. Any candidate worth their salt is going to jump at the chance of taking this message out in a visible form with their pedometer clocking up the canvassing miles."

The Ramblers also have a downloadable questionaire on their site to help you quiz candidates on issues important to the the RA. You can find it on this page, but issues covered include health - at number one no less, guess where the public funding might be - coastal walking, 'Natural England', off road driving on ancient rights of way, renewable energy and the prospect of a South Downs National Park.

You'd obviously be a little unbalanced to cast your vote purely on an outdoors agenda, but it's certainly interesting. More closer to the election :-)