Project activities
Overview
Research
The research phase aimed to explore people’s attitudes, barriers, and motivations regarding outdoor physical activity and the potential of OrientWalking as a new format for inclusive walking experiences.
Each partner country (Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia, Hungary, and Austria) conducted national surveys and interviews, involving more than 250 respondents in total. The sample included young adults, educators, sport professionals, and community members.
The research combined quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews to investigate physical activity habits, obstacles to participation, preferred outdoor environments, and the perceived benefits of non-competitive and nature-based sports.
Findings showed that walking and hiking are among the most frequent activities across Europe, while the main barriers to regular physical activity include lack of time, limited access to natural areas, and digital overexposure. Respondents expressed a strong interest in activities that promote mental well-being, connection with nature, and social interaction.
Who Took Part
Young adults, educators, sport professionals
Perceived Benefits
Well-being, nature connection, social interaction
International Training
Building upon the research findings, the consortium implemented a comprehensive training programme to strengthen the competences of professionals working in sport, education, and community engagement.
The international training, coordinated by L’ORMA (Italy) and hosted by the Sibaris Környezetvédelmi és Sport Egyesület in Hungary, took place in November 2024 and gathered 25 participants representing all five partner countries.
The programme combined theory and practice, focusing on: inclusive and safe outdoor activity design, map reading, route planning, and orientation skills, strategies for engaging families and communities, and the integration of digital tools and app components to support OrientWalking routes.
Participants were also trained to adapt the format to diverse contexts—urban parks, rural paths, and protected areas—and to reach underrepresented groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those with low levels of physical activity.
Following the international event, each partner tested the methodology in their local environments.
Training Focus
Training Focus
Practical Methodology
Hands-on map reading, wayfinding, and activity facilitation
Who Participated
25 participants from 5 European countries
Local Activities
In the final phase, partners developed and tested local OrientWalking routes in their respective territories, applying the shared methodology and educational approach.
Across the consortium, 10 pilot routes were designed in Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia, Hungary, and Austria, each consisting of accessible trails equipped with checkpoints, maps, and interpretation points aimed at encouraging people to walk, explore, and interact with their surroundings.
To test these routes, partners organised public community events that engaged over 400 participants, including families, young people, and local associations. The activities promoted inclusivity, environmental awareness, and healthy lifestyles, inviting citizens to rediscover nearby natural areas in a safe and enjoyable way.
Feedback collected during the pilot events confirmed the effectiveness of the OrientWalking format in increasing motivation for physical activity, reducing digital dependency, and strengthening social bonds within communities.
All routes, materials, and methodological tools have been integrated into the OrientWalking online platform, which also hosts the OrientWalking Handbook—a practical resource for organisations wishing to replicate and sustain the project results in the future.
Key Results
of the Pilot Events
- Increased participation in non-competitive outdoor activities
- Improved mental well-being reported by participants
- Stronger connection with nature thanks to accessible walking experiences
- Enhanced social interaction, especially during community events
- Confirmed effectiveness of the methodology across diverse environments
- Positive feedback on clarity of routes, safety, and inclusiveness