For 10 years, the Greater Manchester Walking Festival has quietly transformed from a calendar fixture to a grassroots movement – one where the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other is helping people reconnect with their communities, their health, and themselves.
What began in 2015 as a community project has grown across the region.
Now, there are more than 114 different organisations involved in the GM Walking Festival with 350 walks – from heritage trails in Heaton Park to parent-and-toddler strolls in Salford.
And those involved say people of all abilities and ages can benefit from the walks – even if they go alone.
“It’s all about the joy of walking,” says Louise Robbins, Strategic Lead for Walking at GM Moving and GM Walking.
“Taking the first step and joining something new is the hardest part.
“To help reduce any anxiety about the walk suitability or not knowing anyone could ring or email the walk organiser in advance and ask them any questions you may have.
“If you tell them you’re coming, they will look out for you, welcome you and introduce you to someone else from the group so you can start chatting straight away.
“Or bring a friend or family member along – that shared first experience can make it easier.”
The festival caters to every level of ability and interest: from step-free routes suitable for wheelchair users and prams, to mindfulness walks, indoor confidence-building sessions, and longer countryside hikes. With the aim not just to get people walking for a month, but to help build lasting habits and relationships.
“We hope people find new reasons to walk — maybe with a local group, or just to the shops. That confidence can turn into a walk next week, then next month. It all counts,” says Robbins.
For James, a member of the Burnage Walking Group based at Dahlia House, the transformation was physical as well as emotional. Initially unsure whether his mobility would allow him to join, James was supported by fellow residents through 12 guided walks. He now walks every week – and his daily step count has shot up from 4,000 to 10,000 steps.
“I feel safer walking with the group,” James shares.
With Mental Health Awareness Week in motion, the connection between walking and mental wellbeing is amplified. Robbins emphasizes the benefits of walking.
“We know walking improves mood, helps us sleep, and can even reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation — especially when done with others,” she says.
Aside from its positive impact on mental health, walking also fosters connection and a sense of community.
At Gorton Mill House in Abbey Hey, Pat – a resident turned Walk Ambassador – represents just the kind of transformation the festival hope to inspire.
Before getting involved in 2022, she rarely ventured outside her flat. But now, alongside four other trained Walk Ambassadors, they lead walks every Wednesday that begin and end at the local community centre. She has 15 regular members, mostly older adults seeking connection, fitness, and fresh air.
“Volunteering has transformed my life, giving me a sense of purpose, new friendships, and improved my well-being,” said Pat, who got involved through the Ageing in Place Pathfinder Project.
In Bury, the Walking Group founded in 2022 continually promotes friendship and appreciation of the countryside. With 70 members and average turnouts of 25-plus on Thursdays and Saturdays, walks range from three to nine miles and cater for a range of abilities. The group’s inclusive approach has helped members maintain long-term involvement regardless of ability.
A widower who lost his wife of 52 years found new friendship and purpose through the group, which now includes theatre trips and lunch outings alongside regular hikes.
Life Leisure’s walking in Stockport has also created a community of regulars who now meet more than once a week – not just to walk, but to socialize, support each other, and try new forms of movement like Nordic walking.
In addition, as part of the Greater Manchester Walking Festival, the group Peak District Mosaic is helping people from diverse communities feel at ease outdoors by organizing fun, friendly walks and activities in the Peak District.
The aim is to support Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities to connect with nature, learn new things, and meet others along the way. In 2024, they ran 20 group walks and a residential weekend, reaching over 280 people – including 64 first-time visitors to the park.
“Walking outdoors in the fresh air is known to be good for our physical health, but moreover our mental health and wellbeing. I certainly feel better in the great outdoors,” said one participant.
The festival may only take place in May, but the impact lasts all year. Since it began in 2015 with TfGM, and later with GM Moving leading the way, and diversifying the organisations involved, it has built lasting energy and support for walking across Greater Manchester.
“Walking and wheeling are the most accessible ways to build activity into our daily lives and this festival celebrates exactly that,” added Robbins. “We hope it helps people build healthy, joyful habits that last well beyond May.”
Images credit: GMwalking & Peak District Mosaic
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