How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighbourhood

On any given morning in Parco Sempione, clusters of walkers criss-cross shaded gravel paths, chatting in a dozen dialects. From the quiet of Porta Venezia’s boulevards at dawn to lively evening treks along the Navigli, Milan’s appetite for group exercise continues to grow. For locals wanting in, founding a neighbourhood walking group is easier—and more beneficial—than ever.

Why Community Matters Now

This summer’s record-high temperatures have nudged more Milanese to seek exercise in the fresher dawn and twilight hours. Since June, the city’s wellness WhatsApp groups have seen a 20% spike in posts about local walks, according to admin Francesca Grassi, who organises events in Zona 6. With lidos and gyms crowded or—worse—steaming, the simplicity and sociability of walking are making it a preferred choice, particularly for those wary of overexertion in a heatwave. Shared outdoor activity is also linked to lower stress, sharper focus and improved motivation, all especially welcome after the disruptions and isolation of recent years.

The walking group movement in Milan has deep grassroots. Associations like "Milano Cammina" coordinate regular strolls of varying difficulty. Every Sunday, as many as 40 residents gather near Arco della Pace to explore 5km or 10km city circuits, often stopping for coffee at local bars on Corso Garibaldi. In Navigli, "Sei di Milano Se… Cammini" traces the canal paths at sunset, passing through via Casale and Darsena. Up north in Isola, some groups combine walking with food, culminating each route at a panificio or gelateria on via Borsieri.

The Steps to Starting Your Own Walking Group

Launching a walking group in your own quartiere starts with three friends and a simple plan. Decide on a regular day and time—early evenings (around 20:00) or Sunday mornings work well for many people balancing busy Milanese schedules. Next, pick a safe and scenic route: Sempione Park, the tree-shaded paths of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, or the towpaths paralleling Naviglio Grande all offer varied scenery and few traffic worries. Calculate a distance—beginners often start with 3km, building up to 6km or more in a month.

Publicising your group is the next hurdle. The "Quartieri di Milano" Facebook communities have proven surprisingly effective for recruiting locals by postcode (try #SanSiroWalkers or #LambrateGroups), while the Telegram channel "Milan Walks" posts free event info to over 2,800 subscribers. Flyers on supermarket noticeboards along via Foppa or near Broletto have also yielded results, especially for less tech-savvy neighbours. Some organisers use the free version of the Meetup app, which allows for up to 50 group members without charge.

Research from the Politecnico di Milano published in 2025 found that neighbourhood walking groups boost regular exercise rates by 38%. Participants were 60% more likely to meet World Health Organization recommendations for weekly physical activity compared to those trying solo routines. Organising a group, meanwhile, rarely requires investment: apart from proper shoes, the costs are low—the only obstacle is regular commitment. For safety, Milan’s municipal police recommend routes with clear lighting, especially in late hours, and suggest group leaders register a basic itinerary with the local polizia locale office if walks cross major intersections or piazzas.

If you’re ready to get started, set up a group chat today and plan a walk for the upcoming weekend. Milan’s embrace of the Mediterranean wellness lifestyle—often exemplified by leisurely movement and shared social rituals—makes walking a perfect fit for the city’s neighbourhoods. Check community boards, tap a couple of neighbours, and step onto your nearest city street: your first walk could be the start of a new tradition. For those seeking guidance on adapting to specific health conditions, Milan’s excellent public health network, including ATS Milano clinics, can provide tailored walking advice. However you begin, with Milan’s parks and piazzas as your backdrop, you’re guaranteed scenery—and company—worth returning for.