About GM Walking

Greater Manchester has a shared ambition, through the GM Moving in Action strategy, to enable the greatest number of people to walk routinely for travel, for pleasure, for themselves and for the environment.

To support this ambition GM Moving manages GM Walking – a set of tools to support groups and organisations to embed walking and wheeling into their activities to improve the lives of the people in their community.

Walking has a vital role to play in increasing the physical activity levels across Greater Manchester and is therefore a key component of the GM Moving ambition of Active Lives for All.

How, and why, are we doing this?

In Greater Manchester we recognise the exceptional role walking and wheeling can play to support increasing physical activity levels across the population and the huge mental and physical health benefits this brings.

By investing in walking and wheeling, and complementing wider investment into infrastructure and localities, GM Moving are working to create a social movement for walking that will help to reduce health care costs caused by physical inactivity and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

We’re asking you to think about the work that you do, and what you can do, to make it easier for people to choose to walk and wheel. If you’re struggling, we hope there’s plenty of inspiration and support on this website to help you.

How can you be part of it

1) Join the Greater Manchester Walking Festival

Every May, as part of National Walking Month, the GM Walking Festival is built and shaped by local people, and is overseen by a festival steering group which is convened by GM Moving.

2) Apply for funding via the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund

The GM Walking and Wheeling Fund is an annual grants programme offers investment of up to £5,000 to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to deliver projects to get more people walking and wheeling.

3) Use our guidance, support and resources

We have a suite of tools and resources available for groups and organisations to embed walking and wheeling into their activities. If you need new routes near you, want to connect with walking groups, or just need some extra inspiration, it’s all here.