A walking festival will take in some of Bolton's most scenic, magical and historical sights.
TheGreater Manchester festival is already underway and hundreds of walks have been organised for people, of all ages and abilities, have been organised to get people out and about.
The walks have been put on to celebrate National Walking Month.
More than 300 walks have been organised for the the seventh annual festival.
Community groups, walking groups and organisations across Greater Manchester have helped to organise the walks.
Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey, said: “I'm so impressed with the opportunity provided by the GM Walking Festival and there's never been a better time to get involved.
“Whether you are keen to connect with your local community, find new routes in your area or just want to get out in the fresh air more often, the festival has something for everyone.
“As part of my Refreshed Mission for Active Travel for Greater Manchester, I placed a huge focus on universal accessibility and this means ensuring everyone can benefit from the simple pleasure of walking or wheeling direct from their front door.”
She added: “While walking is often associated with being a popular leisure pursuit, it is also an essential part of the Bee Network and linking active travel with public transport for everyone on foot or in a wheelchair.
“I'm looking forward to following the events that are taking place during the festival and hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to get involved.”
Walks taking place this month in Bolton include:
Dementia Friendly Woodland Walk – Thursday, May 11
A gentle stroll over areas of the Smithills estate land in Bolton, this includes Smithills Hall formal gardens and woodlands as well Barrow Bridge woodlands.
Run by Bolton Ramblers, the walk caters for everyone, but focuses on being dementia friendly for those living with dementia and family/carers.
Meet at Barrow Bridge Mission, BL1 7ND at 11am. Further information is available at: https://www.cityoftrees.org.uk/event/dementia-friendly-walk-bolton
Discover the South Pennines Park – Sunday, May 14
The South Pennines Park is a proposed national park, taking in much of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
The walk will take in the rich heritage and diverse landscape of the park, visiting some well-known sites along the way including the Winter Hill Mast, Two Lads Monument and Burnt Edge.
Starting from Walker Fold Car Park at 10am, tickets for the moderate to challenging walk are available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gm-walking-festival-discover-the-south-pennines-park-tickets-598370731967
Wigan to Bolton Community Rail Trail – Saturday, May 20
BeWell Wigan Council are running this challenging walk, which will take walkers from Wigan town centre, through to Bolton town centre.
The walk will take in sites of old industry, more modern industrial areas, a canal with locks, ancient woodland, old legends and stunning scenery, as well as some stupendous views on a clear day.
For more information, visit: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/BeWell/Activities-sports/Active-Outdoors/Index.aspx
Guided Tour of Smithills Estate – Sunday, May 28
One of Bolton’s most scenic country estates, this guided walk will take in the scenic views, varied habitats and spring wildlife of Smithills Estate.
The walk, led by Woodland Trust volunteers, will showcase heathland, moorland, wooded cloughs and newly planted woodland, as well as panoramic views over Bolton to Manchester, across Lancashire towards the Irish Sea, the Cheshire plains and even Snowdonia on a clear day.
To book on for the event, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spring-tour-of-smithills-estate-guided-walk-tickets-597591029857
A Little Bolton Wander - Mon 22nd May 2023 at 12:00
The walk is just one to two miles long taking place
A gently paced walk across flat, even ground, around some of the most historically interesting parts of Bolton Town Centre.
Th walk was commissioned by Age UK and Halliwell Local History Society.
It’s accessible by bus and designed to be added on to a trip to the town centre. Starting from Little Bolton Town Hall and finishing at the main Town Hall.
Starting point is Little Bolton Town Hall at All Saints Street, Bolton
Walk leader: The Little Bolton Wander
Contact: Hello@boo-consulting.com. Amy@boo-consulting.com
More walks can be found at https://gmwalking.co.uk/festival-routes/
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