The Ramblers: "Walking is a great way to keep in shape."

Britain’s biggest walkers’ charity has teamed up with a private healthcare provider in a move that will see it offer discounted membership.

The Ramblers will offer Bupa members a 50 per cent discount on its joining fee during February, and Ramblers members will also get reduced rates on some Bupa health cover and assessments.

The Ramblers said the tie-up would help people live healthier lives through walking.

Robert McKinnon, Ramblers’ head of marketing, said: “At the Ramblers we know that walking is a great way to keep in shape. We hope that Bupa members will join us and discover the friendship, fresh air and fitness that come with getting outside and walking.”

The charity said walking can help people to reach the recommended healthy level of physical activity of 150 minutes of moderate exercise over a week in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Benefits include stress reduction, protecting against a number of illnesses and boosting fitness.

Sue Moore, marketing and customer development director of Bupa Health and Wellbeing said: “We are always looking for ways to help people live healthier lives, and we know that walking is an excellent way to do that.

“We hope that many of our members get involved with the Ramblers and start enjoying the benefits of walking.”