Festival growth shows momentum building for walking and wheeling regularly throughout Greater Manchester

The biggest GM Walking Festival to date came to a close on Friday (31 May) with one walking group receiving a special visit from Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey.

Close to 400 walking and wheeling events have taken place across Greater Manchester throughout May’s National Walking Month thanks to community organisers and groups.

And to finish the festival, Dame Sarah joined 30 walkers on a regular event organised by Rochdale Living Well and The Lighthouse Project in Middleton.

The GM Walking Festival is co-ordinated by GM Moving, an Active Partnership working to support more people to move more regularly so they can enjoy happier, healthier lives.

GM Moving works closely with Dame Sarah, TfGM, and the GMCA to increase levels of walking across the city region, including as part of the integrated Bee Network.

The Festival saw hundreds of free, group walks take place throughout May with many aligning with Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) and Walk to School Week (20-24 May).

The expectation is that groups and organisers will continue to offer walking within their communities and encourage individuals to build walking into their other everyday activities.

Dame Sarah Storey, GM’s Active Travel Commissioner, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many people taking part in the GM Walking Festival, not just in Rochdale, but right across Greater Manchester throughout National Walking Month.  

“Walking is a wonderful and accessible form of getting around – whether making an entire short journey within a neighbourhood, or part of a longer journey on our fantastic and ever-expanding Bee Network. It’s a great way to keep physically and mentally well at the same time. 

“I hope everyone who has discovered or rediscovered the joys of walking during the GM Walking Festival, continues their walking journey throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Louise Robbins, Strategic Lead GM Moving, said:

“It’s always amazing to see communities coming together throughout May to walk, chat, and build connections which extend well beyond National Walking Month.

“There are so many physical and mental benefits to moving and we’ll continue working with councils, health partners, communities, and many others to improve walking opportunities.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has helped create the GM Walking Festival this year and made it the success it has been, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.”

Wonderful to join @DameSarahStorey @LouRobbins @GmWalks and a group of 30 on one of the regular walks led by the Lighthouse Project in #Middleton today.

Was really uplifting to get outside, amongst the trees, and to walk and talk.

Loved listening to people’s stories of why… https://t.co/NzROEbZDty pic.twitter.com/mcBYXWSdXx

— Eve Holt (@evefrancisholt) May 31, 2024

If your workplace, council, charity or organisation wants support to help the people you work with to move more through walking and wheeling visit: https://gmwalking.co.uk/

Images: Lighthouse Project Walk by Living Well Rochdale.