The Ramblers inspire people in Rochdale to Walk About

The Ramblers inspires people in Rochdale to Walk About

The Ramblers is encourgaing people to get on their feet with 'Walk About' in September - its biggest ever nationwide walking event, offering a walk to suit everyone. 

This month (August) the Ramblers launched an online tracker that allows people to log their walking activity and make the most of everything the festival has to offer.

The festival takes place from Saturday 3 September until Sunday 11 September. With over a thousand walks all over Britain, and more than 60 in the North West, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from a short stroll in the park to a challenging hike up a mountain.

During the festival, people in the Rochdale can enjoy group-led walks with Rochdale Ramblers:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/rochdale-ramblers

The Ramblers’ director of walking development, Simon Barnett, said: “We all know walking can do wonders for our wellbeing, which is why we want to get the nation on its feet with our biggest free walking festival to date. Walking is good for our health and our minds and we want everyone to be able to experience the many benefits and joys it can bring.

“But we want to encourage people to get more active in advance of the festival, which is why we’ve introduced our new online tracker, which allows people to log all their walking activity and monitor their progress. It’s a great way to build up activity levels, which means that by the time the festival comes around people will be able to step out on a longer walk.”

Designed to suit both the seasoned walker and someone taking their first steps, there are lots of badges and rewards for walking regularly, completing long distances and reaching particular milestones. For example it could be for walking every day in a month or completing the equivalent of the length of Hadrian's Wall.

Simon added: “We’re hoping the online element of Walk About will encourage people in the North West to walk more so we can create happier, healthier communities. Not only can you collect badges but there’s also a leaderboard, so people can race their friends and family to the top.

“With a walk to suit everyone, we want the nation to step out with us this September and join us as we Walk About Britain.”

Walk About is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help everyone, everywhere enjoy walking.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their exciting new walking festival, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking.”

Anyone can take part by visiting www.ramblers.org.uk/walkabout and starting to log their walking trips – whether short or long, in the town or the countryside, alone or with friends.