FREE walks are on offer across Bolton this week as part of a campaign urging people to get active.

Greater Manchester’s first autumn Walking Week runs until Sunday, offering more than 100 free guided walks to showcase all that the region has to offer on foot.

There are 12 to choose from in all corners of the Bolton borough — including Horwich, Harwood, Farnworth, and Smithills — catering to a variety of interests and abilities.

Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “The Mayor’s aim is to make Greater Manchester the best place to live and we can do this by enabling people to walk more short journeys.

“Walking briskly for 20 minutes a day can add up to seven years to your life and if we start to switch short car journeys for walking we can help to cut congestion and improve the air we breathe.

“I hope that by encouraging people to get involved in TfGM’s Greater Manchester Walking Week, they will be inspired to continue walking regularly after the event has ended.”

Funded by the Department of Transport, the Greater Manchester Walking Week and annual Walking Festival is part of TfGM’s Active Travel programme, encouraging people to walk more as part of their daily routine.

Events in Bolton include a two-hour trek taking in the views above Horwich, the Middlebrook trail, a walk around the Jumbles Reservoir, and explorations of the borough's country parks.

TfGM’s Interim Head of Active Travel, Sam Coppin, added: “I’m delighted that we’re launching the first Greater Manchester autumn Walking Week this month. The event aims to get as many people as possible across the region to find out how easy – and enjoyable – walking can be. No special equipment is required when it comes to walking, you can even pop out on your lunch break and get active.

“Autumn is heralded for its beauty as the landscape changes colour, so this is the perfect time for people to explore and experience everything Greater Manchester has to offer. The walks, which cater for a variety of abilities and ages, also provide the chance to meet new people.

“I’d like to thank all our walking partners and walk leaders, many of whom are voluntary, who run all the walks and make this event possible.”

For a full list of the walks available, visit tfgm.com/walking