How Gentle Steps is Connecting Women in Whalley Range

As part of this year’s festival theme of Celebrating Connected Communities, we met Tanya, founder of Gentle Steps, a women’s walking group based in Whalley Range. What started as a simple idea to meet neighbours and build local connections has grown into a welcoming weekly walking group that supports wellbeing and community. Tanya spoke to our Community Walking Lead, Carole Pollard, about how the group began, why walking is so important to her, and the impact it’s having on the women who take part.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your group 

I’m Tanya, the founder of Gentle Steps (formerly Whalley Range Women’s Walking Group). When I first moved to Whalley Range, I really wanted to branch out, meet local women, get to know my neighbours, and build genuine community connections across different generations in the area. 

Growing up, I moved around a lot and didn’t often get the chance to properly settle or feel rooted in a place before moving on again. This time, I wanted to do things differently and create something that would help me, and others, feel more connected and grounded locally. 

In the summer of 2025, I started a walking group for women to help make new connections. What started as a simple post in local Facebook community groups has grown into a regular weekly walking group. We currently have around 5–13 women attending regularly, with a wider group connected online. The walks take place weekly on Saturdays in Alexandra Park, Whalley Range, and we’re also trialling gentler Sunday walks to make the group more accessible to different energy levels and needs.

Why is walking important to you? 

Walking became especially important to me during a challenging period in my life. It helped me process emotions, clear my head, reconnect with my body, and spend time in nature in a way that felt grounding and calming. 

I’ve since learned more about how movement, fresh air, light, trees and green spaces can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and improve wellbeing. Walking is a simple but powerful way to feel more present and balanced. 

Creating the walking group allowed me to combine this with community connection. In a time where many people feel isolated or disconnected, it’s been really meaningful to bring women together in a gentle, safe and welcoming space where they can talk openly, support one another, and feel a sense of belonging. 

What helped you start your successful walking and wheeling activity and what helps to maintain it? 

The group started informally through community outreach and word of mouth. Consistency, openness and positive experiences helped it grow naturally. 

As the group developed, support from local organisations, community networks and small funding opportunities helped us put appropriate safety measures, policies and structure in place. What began as a casual walking meet-up has now grown into a small registered community organisation, with plans to expand into other parks and areas in the future. 

Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to make your walking activity successful? 

Weather has been one of the main challenges, particularly during colder and wetter months. However, by staying flexible, communicating clearly, and creating a supportive group culture, we’ve continued to run regularly and maintain engagement. 

What do you and your group enjoy about walking? 

Social connection is at the heart of the group. Friendships have formed naturally, conversations flow easily, and before we know it we’ve walked around the park, often clocking up around 6,000 steps, and usually head for a coffee together afterwards. 

Participants regularly share how the walks improve their mood, support their mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help build confidence and routine. The consistency of the group encourages women to prioritise time outdoors, check in with themselves, and gently push past isolation or low motivation. 

It’s been really rewarding to see positive changes in both physical and emotional wellbeing across the group. 

This year’s festival is focusing on ‘Celebrating connected communities’, how is your walking activity creating connections within and across communities? 

The walking group brings together women from different ages, cultural backgrounds and life experiences. This mix creates a rich and supportive community where people learn from one another and feel genuinely connected. 

Multi-generational participation brings unique perspectives and stories, and walking side by side creates an easy, informal way for relationships to form. These connections often extend beyond the walks themselves, helping women feel more rooted in Whalley Range and more confident engaging with the wider community. 

If you’re inspired by Tanya’s story and want to start your own community walking activity, host a walk as part of the GM Walking Festival 2026. Find out how to get involved here.