Friday January 16th 2026
Pupils from Wallyford Primary School who took part in the challenge.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Nearly 1800 pupils in East Lothian took part in the Leg it to Lapland challenge run by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
While walking, scooting or cycling to school, the pupils clocked up an amazing total of 16,660 miles – enough to get to Lapland and back three times over.
The 1756 youngsters came from Haddington Primary, Wallyford Primary, Stenton Primary, West Barns Primary and St Gabriel’s RC Primary in Prestonpans.
East Lothian Council joined with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, encouraging primary schools to sign up, recording the highest number of pupils taking part amongst all of Scotland’s local authorities.
They were challenged to walk, scoot or cycle to school last month to reach a combined tally matching the 2400-mile distance from Scotland to Santa’s home in Lapland before Christmas Day.
Extra miles could be earned by taking part in other types of exercise, both as part of the school day or at home.
Leg it to Lapland is run as part of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s I Bike programme which works to encourage a whole school approach to active travel.
Across Scotland, more than 30 schools and almost 5000 pupils took part in the challenge. Collectively they travelled a total of 60,742 miles.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“I’m delighted so many pupils in East Lothian took part in this
challenge which helped them stay active during the winter months.
“Walking, scooting or cycling to school can be a really positive experience for both parents and children. It also benefits the wider community by reducing traffic levels around each campus.”
Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Active Journeys at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in Scotland, said:
“We know that young people want to stay active, but they need more support to do so – whether that be safer routes to school or challenges like this that their school can take part in.
“This has been a great nudge to help us all get outdoors and stay active, especially as the days draw in. And the pupils’ determination shows that they are not daunted by any weather.”
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