Who we are

Greater Manchester (GM) Walking forms part of the Greater Manchester ambition to get GM Moving. The shared ambition is for 75% of GM residents to move for 30 minutes or more per week by 2025. Helping people to walk more as part of every day life is one of the key ways GM Moving will achieve this ambition. By investing in walking and complementing wider investment into infrastructure and localities, GM Walking aims to create a social movement for walking that will help to reduce health care costs caused by physical inactivity and improve overall health and wellbeing of our residents.

"Lots of us discovered the joys of a local walk during lockdown and Let’s Walk Festival 2020 is the perfect way to keep that healthy habit going.
This year, October is Living Streets’ Walk to School Week so you’ll be joined by people all across the UK who are taking steps to get active, stay healthy and reduce air pollution."

Charlotte McHugh - Living Streets

"Walking is not just good for physical health, it's great for mental health and is an enjoyable and free way to get around. It's also been a fantastic way to socialise with people during the pandemic while still maintaining a safe distance.

"I would encourage everyone to get involved in this year's virtual GM Walking Festival. A lot of us are spending more time at home so any opportunity to experience life outdoors, especially giving a new walk a try, is welcome."

Chris Boardman

“After the success of our Wythenshawe Walking challenge, which saw 129 participants get out and increase their physical activity during the Spring lockdown, we are getting behind the GM Walking Festival this October. We want to help even more Wythenshawe residents get active and explore their local area; taking a stroll to the shops, tackling their local commute by foot or having a walk around one of our beautiful local parks”

Wythenshawe Walking

"I currently help to Co ordinate The Oldham Pledge and also a PE/Sport offer in 24 Local Primary Schools. During lockdown I have been walking an average of 50 miles a week around the local Oldham area I cant recommend it enough it has made such a difference to my physical and mental wellbeing. It costs nothing and you can do it with your family and friends.

The Oldham Pledge consists of 14 different Pledges that help young people from Oldham develop a portfolio of experiences.

Pledge 3 is to Keep yourself healthy and well.

Taking part in The GM Walking festival would be a fantastic way to evidence this Pledge and I really hope to see some examples of participation in your Pledge Passports. Not only will you see the benefits but it will on record what you were doing during these unprecedented times to keep yourself healthy and well."

Lorna Philip

GM Walking is part of GreaterSport, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company No. 3258930, Charity No. 1059115) with our office at National Squash Centre Regional Arena, Rowsley Street, Manchester, M11 3FF.

The Let’s Walk Festival is supported by Living streets, The Ramblers, Transport for Greater Manchester, the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester, GM Moving and community groups across the city-region as well as an army of local walking champions.