Most people don't get further than 500mtrs from their cars

A new survey suggests that nearly a fifth of British adults never venture more than 500 metres from their car, indicating that people are getting out and about much less than previous generations.

According to the report from the National Trust which shows, nine out of ten adults agreed that the majority of children walk less now than when they were children, while 61 percent said they themselves have decreased the amount of walking they do since childhood, the Independent reported.

Some 22 percent have abandoned a walk half way through and turned round, while 27 percent have resorted to their car or public transport to complete a walk.

Near a quarter of respondents walk less than five miles a month.

The National Trust has released its report ahead of its Great British Walk annual walking festival, which runs from Sunday until November 3.

According to the research, 68 percent of adults surveyed described a feeling of euphoria on reaching the summit of a walk or an amazing viewpoint and eight out of ten said walking makes them feel happy.