WALKING and cycling was worth £321 million in knock-on health benefits last year, according to new research.

Sustainable transport charity, Sustrans Scotland, calculated the value of walking and cycling journeys made on Scotland's 2,100 miles of National Cycle Network using a methodology developed by the World Health Organisation.

The Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) determines the value of reduced mortality resulting from walking and cycling.

It calculated that Scotland benefitted to the tune of £321m in 2014 from an estimated 121 million journeys made on the National Cycle Network, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Sustrans’ surveys also found that almost six in 10 people who use walking and cycling routes reported that they met the recommended target of at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week.

John Lauder, national director for Sustrans Scotland, said: “When it comes to Scotland’s health, it’s clear that active travel is one of the best value investments that any government can make – with the health benefits valued at hundreds of millions of pounds.

“Scotland’s National Cycle Network is an asset when it comes to tackling obesity, one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS today. Walking and cycling allows people to meet the recommended levels of exercise just by making every day journeys under their own steam. The estimated number trips on the Network shows there’s a clear demand for safe and attractive walking and cycling routes.”

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Catherine Calderwood, said: “Taking the recommended amount of physical activity can dramatically cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. It can also greatly improve mental wellbeing. The National Cycle Network is extremely valuable because it makes it easier for people to make physical activity part of their daily routines.”

Health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes, liver disease and cancer cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds every year.

Dr Peter Bennie, chair of BMA Scotland, added: "Helping people to make healthy choices with regard to their diet and activity levels can help to reduce that pressure on the NHS, so it is hugely important that the right infrastructure is in place to encourage people to walk or cycle more.”