A long, slow walk may not raise your heart rate in the same way that a short, fast walk might, but it can still offer plenty of benefits – including for your cardiovascular health.

“A long, slow walk will impact your cardiovascular system by strengthening your heart and circulatory system and will therefore increase your overall endurance,” Dr Iqbal explains. “A slower walk also has a lower impact on your joints, making it the perfect option for someone who has any mobility issues.”

Dr Iqbal adds that a long, slow walk (although not too long) can be great for active recovery days, as low-intensity exercise can promote blood flow and aid muscle recovery.

Aimee Pearce, a personal trainer, also points to the benefit a long, trail walk can have on your mental health. “Walking is amazing for our physical health but it can also do wonders for our mental health,” she says. “You can walk with a friend or you can download walking meditation apps to make your walk more focused on your mental health.”

What’s better for you: a long, slow walk or a fast, short one?