Best foot forward for winter walking

Winter walking week

There’s something for everyone during the latest Greater Manchester Walking Week, taking place from 17-25 February,

Rochdale resident Charlie Hill claims that walking regularly has not only boosted his fitness, but has also helped to provide structure to his life following early retirement in 2016.

He and his wife were first introduced to the walking festival events by a friend and, after attending several led walks, developed the knowledge and confidence to plan and take part in more challenging walks.

He said: “The Walking Festival came at exactly the right time and has given us a great flavour of all the different walks and groups in the area. We’ve got confidence now to use footpaths rather than just walking on the roads. I’d have never done a six-mile walk on my own.

“I’m more likely to walk now, for example, from the train or bus station or to meet friends at the pub. Before my wife would take me in the car, but I prefer walking now.”

Coordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), with support from many local walking groups and charities, the nine-day event aims to showcase all that the region has to offer on foot.

Comprising a mix of easy to challenging, urban to hilltop and educational to simply stunning treks, the schedule has something to cater for all interests, ages and abilities.

The event will also coincide with most schools’ half-term break and there are plenty of activities to appeal to young walkers.

Rochdale walks for the Greater Manchester Walking Week can be found here:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search?searchtype=text&searchvalue=greater+manchester+walking+week

The Winter Walking Week will offer over 100 free guided walks in Bolton, Bury, Stockport, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.