From gentle social strolls to more adventurous hikes, this year’s celebration coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, 12 to 18 May, offering a range of wellbeing walks to support mental health and community connection.
The month-long festival, part of National Walking Month, features more than 400 walks across the city region and encourages residents of all ages and abilities to get outside, get moving, and discover the health and social benefits of walking and wheeling.
Highlights in Stockport include weekly and monthly community wellbeing walks and social strolls. Run by Life Leisure and Age UK, these walks offer a chance to connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.
There are weekly Nordic walking sessions, as well as a special walking festival group hiking to Kinder Scout on May 18 at 10am, departing from Edale train station, led by trained walk leaders.
There are also indoor confidence walks for beginners or those with long-term health conditions, available in Avondale, Bramhall, and Brinnington. Circular walks in local nature spots are being hosted by the walking group Walkaday. These walks explore the natural beauty of the area.
Councillor Keith Holloway, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, said: “This May, we’re celebrating the joy of walking across Stockport and beyond, an opportunity for everyone, no matter your age or ability, to get moving, lift your spirits, and enjoy the great outdoors. The Walking Festival offers the opportunity for connection, wellbeing, and coming together as a community.”
Stockport resident, Janet El-Mikatti, said: “I really enjoy the Saturday Wellness Walk with the Life Leisure and Age Concern team. I was a little nervous to join because it had been a while since I had done any longer walks, but everyone was welcoming and encouraging. It is such a friendly and mixed group of people that there is always someone to chat to and learn new things. I have also found new areas to walk in, I would encourage anyone to give it a go.”
The GM Walking Festival Walk finder is simple to use and will help participants find a suitable walk. The full programme of free, group-led walking and wheeling events is on the GM Walking website.
