Greater Walking Weekends Join our free guided walks Routes to suit all ages and abilities

Join us for a wonderful weekend 16-18 September 2016 of walking adventures21-23 October 2016 WELCOME iscover where

Welcome to Walking For our autumn Walking Weekends Weekends, a series of fun, free, guided we’re delighted to be working with the buses can take you walks taking place across the region over a following partners: Manchester and number of weekends in autumn and spring. Salford Ramblers, Bury Council, City Following the huge success of the Greater of Trees, Oldham Council and Oldham Manchester Walking Festival, we’ve teamed Community Leisure. up with local walking groups once again to We’d like to say a big thank you to these create more opportunities for people to get groups and their experienced walk active in Greater Manchester. leaders, who will be guiding you on your The first of our Walking Weekends will take walking adventure. place this autumn, with 40 walks to choose We look forward to working with more from over two weekends. Many of the walks walking partners in other areas of Greater follow existing trails and routes, of varying Manchester for our spring Walking lengths and difficulties. Weekends in February and March and for All of the walks are easy to get to by public our annual Walking Festival in May 2017. transport, so there’s no reason not to Enjoy the walks and we’ll see you on jump on a tram, train or bus and explore the trails! somewhere new. Carragh Teague, In this booklet you’ll find the walk details, Walking Coordinator, including the date and time they take Transport for Greater Manchester place, where they start and finish, how long they are, and a brief description of For more information, to order more The new way to find direct bus services to each route, so you can decide whether brochures, or provide feedback, it’s for you. contact us on: 0161 244 1145 where you want to go, view bus stops and There’s no need to book on most of our [email protected] walks, just turn up at the right time on the download timetables. day, make sure you’re wearing sensible clothing and comfortable shoes and pack some water and refreshments, depending tfgm.comrouteeplorer on how long your chosen walk is. Access it wherever you are 3 Welcome

WALKING KEY Safety and Guidance What to wear and bring Things to note

Please wear comfortable and sturdy shoes or Many of the walks in this brochure are boots for all walks. accessible to people with limited mobility. We can’t guarantee the weather, so be sure to However, it is recommended that you bring a waterproof coat or jacket in case it rains. check with the walk organiser prior to a walk if you have any specific requirements, Car parking available Dogs permitted (on a lead) If it’s sunny, pack a hat and some sun cream, including wheelchair access, or if you are especially for those longer walks. It’s also a unable to step over stiles. good idea to bring water and a snack, as not all walks offer opportunities for refreshments. Please arrive 10 minutes before a walk Toilet facilities Wheelchair accessible begins so that you can locate the group and be ready to start the walk at the right time. Health and safety Walks may also be cancelled or modified Cafe nearby Buggy accessible due to adverse weather conditions, All walks are undertaken at your own risk. Walk so please ring the contact number listed leaders take every care to ensure that the walks to make sure the walk is taking place. are undertaken in a safe manner. Transport for Picnic area Greater Manchester and walk leaders are not It is advisable to check the meeting location responsible for any accidents or injuries that in advance with the organiser. may occur. Walking grades

EASY On well maintained flat surfaces

FAIRLY EASY On slight gradients and possibly some uneven paths MEDIUM On uneven or unsurfaced paths with some steep gradients and possible steps or stiles CHALLENGING Suitable for experienced walkers, longer distance with mixed terrain and gradients

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MANCHESTER 1 BURY N WALKING

WEEKENDS 7

8 11 9 31 10 19 OLDHAM 30 33 32 18 Find a walk near you 29 28 17 20 SALFORD 23 24 Walks 1-6: Bury Village Link Walks 23-33: Salford Trail 21 Trail (Pages 10-13) (Pages 28-33) 27 Walks led by Bury Sport and Walks led by Manchester 26 Physical Activity Service and Salford Ramblers 25 22 Walks 34-39: Trafford Walks 7-11: Oldham 16 12 'Heritage Trees Trail' ‘Let’s Go For A Walk’ (Pages 34-37) (Pages 14-17) Walks led by City of Trees 34 15 Walks led by Oldham Council and Oldham Community Leisure MANCHESTER /GMWalkingFestival 39 38 35 36 Walks 12-20: Manchester's www.tfgm.com/walking Green Corridor 37 (Pages 18-23) [email protected] Walks led by Manchester and Salford Ramblers

TRAFFORD Walks 21-22: (Pages 24-25) 14 Walks led by Manchester 13 and Salford Ramblers 6 7 What's on What's on

What's on

Walk name Walk route Page Walk name Walk route Page Friday 16 September Friday 21 October 2016 Greenmount Village to Walshaw Bury Village Link Trail 11 Holcombe to Hawkshaw Bury Village Link Trail 12 Alexandra Park Historic Walk and Talk Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 15 Alexandra Park Historic Walk and Talk Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 15 Canal Walk Manchester City Centre 25 From Chetham's to Spinningfields Manchester City Centre 25 Sale Water Park and Priory Gardens Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 35 The Parks of Sale Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 36

Saturday 17 September 2016 Saturday 22 October 2016 Greenmount Village to Bury Village Link Trail 11 Ainsworth, Affetside to Hawkshaw Bury Village Link Trail 13 Rowlands Road Dovestone Edges Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 16 Cross Key Circular Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 15 Philips Park to Clayton Vale Manchester's Green Corridor 20 Levenshulme to Debdale Park Manchester's Green Corridor 19 Around Fletcher Moss Park Manchester's Green Corridor 21 Queens Park and Irk Valley Manchester's Green Corridor 19 Media City Salford Trail 31 Woods Salford Trail 29 Walkden Loopline Salford Trail 31 Peel Park Salford Trail 29 Peel Park and the Meadows Salford Trail 32 Clifton Country Park Salford Trail 29 Trans Pennine Trail Trek Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 37 Longford Park to Sale Water Park Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 35 Sunday 23 October 2016 Sunday 18 September Park Farm, Nangreaves to Rowlands Road Bury Village Link Trail 13 Holcombe, Ramsbottom and Park Farm Bury Village Link Trail 12 Dovestone Reservoir Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 16 Tandle Hill Oldham 'Let's Go For A Walk' 16 Boggart Hole Clough Manchester's Green Corridor 21 Manchester's Green Corridor 19 Chorlton Water Park to Park Manchester's Green Corridor 22 Debdale Park to Clayton Manchester's Green Corridor 20 Ardwick Green to Whitworth Park Manchester's Green Corridor 22 Monton Green Salford Trail 29 Blackleach Country Park Salford Trail 32 Moor Salford Trail 30 Salford Quays Salford Trail 32 Kersal Dale to Bury New Road Salford Trail 30 Wellacre Country Park and Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 37 Urmston Meadows and Old Ees Brook Trafford 'Heritage Trees Trail' 36 Jack Lane Nature Reserve

8 9 Bury Village Link Trail

BURY VILLAGE Greenmount Village Greenmount Village LINK TRAIL to Walshaw to Rowlands Road Friday 16 September, 1:30pm Saturday 17 September, 11am

Walk overview: A walk taking in three Walk overview: An interesting walk villages, the ruins of Tottington Mill and beginning through some of the Kirklees a string of mill ponds with an abundance Valley Nature Trail, before crossing Meet one of our walk leaders of associated wildlife. The walk follows open countryside and heading down some of the Kirklees Valley Nature Trail. into Summerseat, across the River Irwell Name: Jean Foster After a short rest at the War Memorial & East Lancashire Railway. The walk in Walshaw, the walk then returns to then briefly joins the Irwell Sculpture “After retiring in July 2015 I was keen to be more active so Greenmount Village, ending at the Toby Trail before heading up towards joined some walks in the Bury and Rochdale areas. A walk leader Carvery (opposite Greenmount school), Walmersley Road where walkers can was leaving the area and I was offered the role on the basis that where walkers can stop for refreshments. rest at the Nabbs Farm Cafe. The walk I had a good knowledge of the routes and the people who regularly Distance: 5-6 miles (MEDIUM) ends at the Toby Carvery (opposite attended. ‘I Will If You Will’ provided training and I took to it like the Greenmount Old School). Meeting point: Greenmount Old School. a duck to water. Since then I have led walks in other parts of the Distance: 5 miles (MEDIUM) borough and helped develop new walks around Bury. Public transport: Bus stops nearby. Meeting point: Greenmount Old School. What I enjoy most about being a walk leader is preparing for the walk. Two of my weekly Public transport: Bus stops nearby. walks always start from the same place, but it's important to vary the route and I use this as an opportunity to mix it up. I also like to watch the group change each week; you never know who's going to turn up on a particular day. On each walk, different groups form as WALK 2 they walk at their own pace, chat and find out what they have in common. Walk leading to me is as much a social occasion as it is a form of exercise and the time whizzes past!” WALK 3 Booking is essential for all Bury walks. Please contact Maria Cranston, details below.

About the trail The maps include all of the places of The Village Link is a unique trail connecting interest along the route, such as picnic sites, six of Bury’s most historic villages. The trail is viewpoints and even the whereabouts of approximately 18 miles in total and consists the occasional public bench to rest tired legs of seven distinct sections, each varying and aching feet after longer walks. in length and landscape. The sections are between two and seven miles long and ideal Group name for everyone, from seasoned walkers to Bury Sport and Physical Activity Service weekend strollers. In addition to the overall route map, each section comes with its own Contact colour coded, user friendly, individual map Maria Cranston, 0161 253 6396, (available when you join a walk). email [email protected] or visit www.village-link.com Illustration by Janet Brady 10 11 Bury Village Link Trail Bury Village Link Trail

Holcombe, Ramsbottom Holcombe to Hawkshaw Ainsworth, Affetside Park Farm, Nangreaves and Park Farm Friday 21 October, 1:30pm to Hawkshaw to Rowlands Road Sunday 18 September, 11am Saturday 22 October, 11am Sunday 23 October, 11am Walk overview: Walk from the village Walk overview: A walk starting from the of Holcombe, which sits beneath the Walk overview: Starting in the village of Walk overview: A walk encompassing historic village of Holcombe and heading monumental Peel Tower, along scenic Ainsworth, this walk takes you on a woodland, meadows and wonderful views through Ramsbottom into Nuttall Park. Next, paths, through woodland and open journey following in the footsteps of the from the Pennines across the Cheshire a steep climb up ‘Jacob’s ladder’ (steps) where countryside, to the attractive village of Roman Legions to the small linear village Plains to the distant peaks of North walkers can enjoy views of the gorge and Hawkshaw. There are some great views of Affetside. The walk then drops down Wales. Walkers can take advantage of the waterfall. Before heading back to Holcombe, to be had along the way in both directions, to the Two Brooks Valley passing through delightful refreshments at the Nabbs Farm the walk crosses open countryside to Manchester and an opportunity for those seeking the ruins of an old mill to arrive in Hawkshaw. Cafe before returning back to Park Farm Road, where walkers can enjoy a well deserved refreshments to visit the Shoulder of On the return walk to Ainsworth, walkers where the walk ends. Mutton at the end of the walk. rest at the Park Farm Garden Centre Cafe. can enjoy a well deserved rest break at the Distance: 4-5 miles (MEDIUM) Distance: 4 miles (MEDIUM) historic Pack Horse in Affetside. Distance: 4 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Park Farm Garden Centre. Meeting point: Shoulder of Mutton, Distance: 6-7 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Shoulder of Mutton, Public transport: Bus stops nearby. Lumb Carr Road. Lumb Carr Road. Meeting point: Ainsworth Parish Church. Public transport: Ramsbottom train station Public transport: Bus stops nearby. Public transport: Bus stops nearby. and bus stops nearby.

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Illustration by Janet Brady 12 13 OLDHAM 'LET'S GO FOR A WALK'

OLDHAM 'LET'S GO Alexandra Park Cross Key Circular FOR A WALK' Historic Walk and Talk Saturday 17 September, 9:45am Friday 16 September, 11am Friday 21 October, 11am Walk overview: This circular route takes walkers to the iconic war memorial obelisk Walk overview: Explore Alexandra Park at the Pots n’ Pans with great views of the and learn about its rich history on this Saddleworth Villages, Oldham, Manchester and beyond. It then goes on to Alderman Meet one of our walk leaders fascinating walk. Opened in 1865, this was the first public park in Oldham, named to Hill where walkers can take a short break for Name: Alan Keane commemorate the marriage of the Prince lunch and enjoy the tremendous view over of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Chew Valley. The route then heads over the moors to the trig point on Broadstone “I work for Oldham Community Leisure and have done for 12 years Distance: 1-2 miles (FAIRLY EASY) as the Outdoor Pursuits and Events Officer. I'm a qualified Hill, before returning to the Cross Keys pub. Meeting point: Kings Road car park, mountain leader and single pitch award climbing instructor, Distance: 4 miles (CHALLENGING) Alexandra Park, OL8 2BH. and also lead Nordic walks. Following my previous career as a Meeting point: Cross Keys Inn. hairdresser, I diversified into the world of active lifestyles. Public transport: Oldham Central Metrolink and bus stop nearby. Public transport: Greenfield train I've always been a keen walker and have led walks for many station and bus stop nearby. years, meeting people and seeing their health and wellbeing improve as a result. I've made many friends over the years through leading activities, particularly walking, and get a real buzz from seeing people progress. Working in

partnership with Oldham’s Environmental Services team, Oldham Community Leisure wants everyone to enjoy walking and physical activity. To this end, we feel a good walk WALK 8 leader is approachable, makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome on the walk, WALK 11 has a good knowledge of the routes and ensures everyone’s enjoyment in the process.”

About the walks Group name Oldham is a culturally diverse town with a Oldham Council and Oldham historic and industrial past. The town has Community Leisure award winning urban and countryside parks and is framed by the breathtaking moorland Contact landscape of the Peak District National Park. Euey Madden, 07801 204 782 or Explore this fascinating area with ‘Let’s Go email [email protected] For A Walk’, a joint initiative between Oldham Community Leisure and Oldham Council. Alan Keane, 07715 078 239, ‘Let’s Go For A Walk’ aims to encourage people email [email protected] to take those first steps towards a healthier or visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ lifestyle, by offering free guided walks across walkfinder/oldham-lets-go-for-walk Oldham’s fantastic parks and countryside sites.

14 15 OLDHAM 'LET'S GO FOR A WALK' OLDHAM 'LET'S GO FOR A WALK'

Tandle Hill Dovestone Edges Sunday 18 September, 10am Saturday 22 October, 9:45am

Walk overview: A pleasant walk around Walk overview: Leaving the Clarence pub, Tandle Hill, an area of beech woodland and the walk will ascend steeply to the trig open grassland with views across the valley point at the summit of Alphin Pike (469m). towards Manchester. Following the edges that pass Wimberry Distance: 1 mile (MEDIUM) Stones and Chew Reservoir, you will then descend at the Fox Stone and return via Meeting point: Tandle Hill Country Dovestone Reservoir and Bradbury Lane. Park car park. Distance: 7-8 miles (CHALLENGING) Public transport: Bus stop nearby. Meeting point: The Clarence pub, Greenfield. Public transport: Train station and bus stop nearby. WALK 7

WALK 9 Dovestone Reservoir Sunday 23 October, 10am

Walk overview: A secluded walk around Dovestone Reservoir, part of the Peak District National Park, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Distance: 3-4 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Dovestones car park. Public transport: Bus stops nearby.

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16 17 MANCHESTER'S GREEN CORRIDOR

MANCHESTER'S Levenshulme to Queens Park GREEN CORRIDOR Debdale Park and Irk Valley Saturday 17 September, 11am Saturday 17 September, 2pm

Walk overview: This walk starts on Walk overview: A fascinating walk around Stockport Road and passes through the historical Queens Park and river. parks and green spaces before ending Distance: 2 miles (FAIRLY EASY) at Debdale Park. Meeting point: Corner of Rochdale Road About the trail Meet one of Distance: 3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) and Queens Road. Meeting point: Bus stop at Crowcroft Park, Manchester’s Green Corridor is a walking our walk Public transport: Queens Road Metrolink circuit made up of 14 routes which connect Stockport Road, opposite Cayton Street. and bus stops nearby. many of the beautiful green spaces and leaders End point: Debdale Park, Gorton. tree lined streets around the city. Most of Public transport: Bus stop nearby. Name: the walks are about 4 miles long, but many of them have been shortened for Salle Dare WALK 18 this festival to encourage walkers of all abilities to get involved. WALK 15 Group name Manchester and Salford Ramblers “I'm retired now but used to work in the NHS. I've been walking for many years Heaton Park Contact and one of the reasons I lead walks is Sunday 18 September, 11am Salle Dare, 0161 861 8491, to share the pleasure I get from walking email [email protected] with other people and to encourage or visit www.gettingmanchester Walk overview: Take in the sights of new people to take up walking. In the moving.nhs.uk Heaton Park on this circular walk. Ramblers we want everyone to enjoy Distance: 2 miles (EASY) walking and we think a good walk leader is someone who makes you feel welcome Meeting point: Gate opposite on the walk, knows where they are going Heaton Park Metrolink. and makes sure everyone is safe.” Public transport: Heaton Park Metrolink and bus stop nearby.

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18 19 MANCHESTER'S GREEN CORRIDOR MANCHESTER'S GREEN CORRIDOR

Debdale Park to Clayton Philips Park to Around Fletcher Boggart Hole Clough Sunday 18 September, 2pm Clayton Vale Moss Park Sunday 23 October, 11am Saturday 22 October, 11am Saturday 22 October, 2pm Walk overview: A fairly easy walk through Walk overview: Explore the wooded areas Debdale Park along the Fallowfield Loopline Walk overview: This route goes through Walk overview: A circular walk around of Boggart Hole Clough on this relaxed walk. and the Ashton Canal to . Philips Park to Clayton Vale and along the Fletcher Moss Park, a beautiful green space Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Distance: 3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Medlock Valley. with alpine gardens and a nature reserve. Meeting point: Main Gates of Boggart Hole Meeting point: Debdale Park Entrance Distance: 4 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Clough on Rochdale Road. on Hyde Road. Meeting point: Entrance to Philips Park on Meeting point: Entrance to Fletcher Moss Public transport: Bus stop nearby. End point: Clayton Metrolink, Stuart Street just off Alan Turing Way. Park, Corner of Millgate Lane and Ashton New Road. Public transport: Metrolink Wilmslow Road. Public transport: Bus stop near start and and bus stops nearby. Public transport: Bus stop nearby. end points. Clayton Metrolink by end point. WALK 20

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20 21 MANCHESTER'S GREEN CORRIDOR MANCHESTER'S GREEN CORRIDOR

Chorlton Water Park to Ardwick Green to Wythenshawe Park Whitworth Park Sunday 23 October, 2pm Sunday 23 October, 2pm

Walk overview: Starting at the lake, Walk overview: This walk winds this walk goes through Kenworthy Woods through Platt Fields Park and ends to Wythenshawe Park. at Whitworth Park. Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Distance: 4 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Meeting point: Entrance to Chorlton Meeting point: Ardwick Green Park, Water Park. opposite Esso Garage. End point: . End point: Whitworth Park. Public transport: Bus stops near start and Public transport: Bus stops nearby. end points. Wythenshawe Park Metrolink near end point.

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22 23 Manchester city centre

MANCHESTER CITY Canal Walk From Chetham’s to CENTRE Friday 16 September, 6pm Spinningfields Friday 21 October, 6pm Walk overview: Starting at the , this walk takes you along Manchester’s Walk overview: Explore the sights and renowned canals including the Rochdale sounds of Manchester, starting at the and Bridgewater canals and then on to the well known Chetham's Music School and Castlefield area. heading towards Spinningfields, past Distance: 2 miles (EASY) old and new buildings and architecture. About the walks Meet one of Meeting point: The Bridgewater Hall, Distance: 3 miles (EASY) Manchester city centre is bursting with our walk Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS culture, creativity and rich history. Meeting point: Chetham's Music School, End point: Castlefield, Manchester. These walks have been put together to leaders Long Millgate, M3 1SB. allow you to experience the city from a Public transport: Train stations, Metrolink End point: Spinningfields, Hardman Street, Name: unique perspective, as you stroll down stations and bus stops nearby. M3 3AQ. Mags Metcalf waterways and cross urban green space. Public transport: Train stations, Metrolink Discover a side of Manchester you’ve WALK 22 stations and bus stops nearby. never seen before with these routes, perfect for walkers of all abilities. WALK 21

Group name Manchester and Salford Ramblers "I love walking and the benefits I get from it; keeping fit, meeting new people and discovering new areas where I live Contact and further afield in the countryside Mags Metcalf, 07947 864534, which isn't too far away. Some walks are email [email protected] easy and some are more challenging, or visit www.manchesterandsalford which is good as it increases fitness ramblers.org.uk levels. In our group we have short walks, medium walks and long walks, all led by experienced walk leaders."

24 25 “It’s been good to go on a walk where the leader has a knowledge of the area. I walk a lot and it made a pleasant change not having to plan it!”

– Yvonne 'Parks of Sale’ walk with City of Trees, Greater Manchester Walking Festival 2016

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Peel Park Worsley Woods SALFORD TRAIL Saturday 17 September, 11am Saturday 17 September, 11am

Walk overview: Stroll towards Manchester Walk overview: A circular walk through city centre and along the River Irwell Worsley Woods and along the loopline, towpath on this enjoyable walk. a large area of countryside featuring brooks Distance: 2 miles (EASY) and the Old Warke Dam. Meeting point: Salford Museum and Art Distance: 2-3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Gallery, The Crescent, Salford. Meeting point: Worsley Court House About the trail Meet one of End point: People’s History Museum, (at the roundabout). The Salford Trail weaves through our walk Bridge Street, Manchester. Public transport: Bus stop nearby. picturesque country parks, urban heritage areas and borders canals and rivers. leaders Public transport: Bus stops nearby. The trail uses ‘looplines’, old railway tracks Name: now transformed into traffic free highways, Maggie Smith to reach every corner of this surprisingly WALK 28 rural city. The trail is largely off road and WALK 23 easy to follow with its own way markers.

Group name Manchester and Salford Ramblers Clifton Country Park Monton Green “I'm an enthusiastic walker and love leading walks into areas within Manchester and Saturday 17 September, 2pm Sunday 18 September, 11am Contact Salford as so many people don’t know Maggie Smith, 07879 465 047, what beautiful and interesting walks Walk overview: A circular walk along the Walk overview: A circular walk along the email [email protected] are on their doorsteps. The Ramblers River Irwell through woodland and across loopline from Dukes Drive in Monton, or visit www.thesalfordtrail.btck.co.uk try and cater to all walking abilities. open space to Clifton Country Park. an area of open grass and woodland Our walks are short and fairly easy to Distance: 2-3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) between the Bridgewater Canal and the disused railway. encourage people who may not be Meeting point: St. Anne’s Church, used to walking. We are welcoming and Manchester Road, Clifton. Distance: 2 miles (EASY) know our stuff!” Public transport: Bus stops nearby. Meeting point: Dukes Drive, parking area. Public transport: Bus stops nearby.

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28 29 Salford trail Salford trail

Kersal Moor Kersal Dale to Media City Walkden Loopline Sunday 18 September, 11am Bury New Road Saturday 22 October, 11am Saturday 22 October, 11am Sunday 18 September, 2pm Walk overview: A scenic walk over Kersal Walk overview: A fascinating walk around Walk overview: A walk along disused Moor, an area of open moorland with stunning Walk overview: Walk along the River Irwell Media City, over the two main bridges railway lines, finishing at the views. The walk then goes down to Kersal Dale across Kersal Dale (which flooded in December of the Ship Canal and Theatre. Tyldesley Loopline. where walkers can stop at Littleton Road, 2015 and has recovered well) and up through Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Distance: 2 miles (FAIRLY EASY) or take the circular route to Bury New Road. a scenic, wooded area to Bury New Road. Meeting point: Media City Metrolink. Meeting point: Walkden Station. Distance: 3 miles plus optional extra Distance: 2 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Public transport: Media City Metrolink End point: Ellenbrook busway. for circular route (FAIRLY EASY) Meeting point: St. Aidans Church, Littleton and bus stop nearby. Public transport: Bus stops near Lunch: Bring own packed lunch if on Road, Lower Kersal, Salford, M7 3SE. start and end points. circular route (1 hour break between walks). End point: Bury New Road. Meeting point: Bus stop on Bury Public transport: Bus stops nearby. New Road, Corner of Radford Street, M7 4NT.

End Point: Littleton Road by Northallerton WALK 26 WALK 29 Road (if not on circular route). Public transport: Bus stops near start and end points. WALK 33

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30 31 Salford trail Salford trail

Peel Park and Blackleach the Meadows Country Park Saturday 22 October, 2pm Sunday 23 October, 11am

Walk overview: On this circular walk you Walk overview: A beautiful route can explore Peel Park and the Meadows, a through local nature reserve beautiful area of open space almost entirely Blackleach Country Park. surrounded by the River Irwell. Distance: 2-3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Meeting point: Blackleach Country Park Meeting point: Salford Museum and Visitor Centre, Bolton Rd, Hilltop, Walkden. Art Gallery, Crescent, Salford. Public transport: Bus stops nearby. Public transport: Bus stops nearby.

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Salford Quays Sunday 23 October, 2pm

Walk overview: A relaxed walk from Salford Quays to Manchester City Centre along the Ship Canal. Distance: 2 miles (EASY) Meeting point: Salford Quays Metrolink. End point: Manchester City Centre. Public transport: Metrolink and bus stops near start and end points.

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32 33 Trafford Trail

TRAFFORD 'HERITAGE Manchester Sale Water Park and Longford Park to Sale TREES TRAIL' CityofTrees Priory Gardens Water Park Friday 16 September, 10:30am Saturday 17 September, 10:30am

Walk overview: This circular route takes in Walk overview: This linear route takes in the wildlife and history of Sale Water Park a rich variety of landscapes from historic and Priory Gardens. It includes Trafford’s first hedgerows to the River Mersey and flood local nature reserve and a spectacular mature meadows of Sale Ees. Enjoy the heritage beech avenue. trees of Longford Park and stroll through About the walks Meet one of Distance: 2-3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Turn Moss playing fields to join the Trans Trafford is to 30 municipal parks and our walk Pennine Trail. The route passes Stretford a diverse range of historic open spaces and Meeting point: Mersey Valley Visitor Centre, Ees and follows the River Mersey, before visitor attractions. The borough’s parks and leaders Rifle Road, Sale Water Park, M33 2LX. passing through Barrow Brook towards the green spaces have a rich history and were Public transport: Sale Water Park Metrolink. Name: volunteer centre at Sale Water Park. at the forefront of the Victorian parks movement, which established the pattern Janie Burrage Distance: 3 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Caffeine & Co, of public green space we know today. 'City of Trees' helps people to explore local Longford Park, Stretford, M32 8DA. areas they may not have visited before. WALK 35 End point: Sale Water Park. Our walks are part of a series of walking Public transport: Stretford Metrolink guides which outline over 35 miles of (start) and Sale Water Park Metrolink (end). recreational routes, taking in local gems such as Sale Water Park, Walkden Gardens, “I'm passionate about green space Carrington Moss, Turn Moss and more. and helping people explore the trees, woodlands and wildlife on their doorstep. For me, becoming a walk leader was a Group name logical step in promoting health and WALK 34 City of Trees wellbeing. I truly believe that fresh air and a gentle stroll can make all the Contact difference to how we perceive and Janie Burrage, 0161 872 1660 connect with the world around us.” email [email protected] or visit www.cityoftrees.org.uk/walking-trafford Booking is essential for all Trafford walks. Please contact Janie Burrage.

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Urmston Meadows The Parks of Sale Trans Pennine Trail Trek Wellacre Country Park and Old Ees Brook Friday 21 October, 10:30am Saturday 22 October, 10:30am and Jack Lane Nature Sunday 18 September, 10:30am Reserve Walk overview: A circular route that leads Walk overview: A journey from Sale Sunday 23 October, 10:30am Walk overview: This walk takes in a walkers through some of the finest parks in Water Park to Urmston and back, Sale, including Worthington Park where you following the northern bank of the secluded area of the Mersey Valley. Walk overview: This circular route takes Explore the autumnal beauty of the will discover ‘The Wizard of Worthington River Mersey before joining the Trans Park', and Walkden Gardens, Sale’s very own Pennine Trail to Stretford Meadows. walkers around Wellacre Country Park and flood meadow and enjoy panoramic offers panoramic views of the Mersey Valley. ‘secret garden’. Distance: 7-8 miles (CHALLENGING) views of the River Mersey. Explore the parameter of Jack Lane Nature Distance: 4-5 miles (MEDIUM) Distance: 2-3 miles (FAIRLY EASY) Meeting point: Mersey Valley Reserve and discover Flixton’s historic Meeting point: Brooklands Metrolink Meeting point: Riverside Drive, M41 9FW. Visitor Centre, Sale Water Park, railway line before heading back towards Station, M33 3SQ. Rifle Road, M33 2LX. Public transport: Bus stop nearby. Dutton’s bond. In autumn, the hedgerows Public transport: Brooklands/ Public transport: Sale Water burst alive with colour, offering a bounty of Dane Road Metrolink. Park Metrolink. edible fruits for birds and other wildlife. Distance: 2-3 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Entrance to Wellacre WALK 38 County Park, Ambleside Road, M41 6PH. WALK 37 WALK 36 Public transport: Flixton Railway Station.

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36 37 “It was heart-warming as a walk leader to welcome walkers from other areas who seemed to enjoy the activity.”

– Jean Walk Leader, Dunwood Park Nordic Walkers, Greater Manchester Walking Festival 2016

38 39 “ The walk was well Explore Greater Manchester on foot this researched, organised autumn by taking part in Transport for Greater Manchester’s Walking Weekends. and led. The scenery was varied with some Following the success of our annual Walking Festival and in partnership with some local historical heritage fantastic walking groups, we’ve organised sites and places of a series of free, guided walks over selected special interest” weekends throughout the year. The first lot are taking place this September – Richard and October and you’ll find all you need to know in this handy brochure, including 'Both Sides of the Valley’ walk with Rochdale Ramblers, Greater where the walks take place, at what time Manchester Walking Festival 2016 and how long they’re expected to last. We’ll be organising more walks that cover even more of Greater Manchester next spring, so keep an eye on our Facebook “Nice people, nice walk, page and website to stay up to date with nice weather. What the latest news. more can you ask for?!” The walks are all easy to get to via public transport within the Greater Manchester – Noreen area and offer a great opportunity to meet new people, get active and have fun. 'Fair Daisy Nook’ walk with Tameside Ramblers, Greater Manchester Enjoy, and we hope to see you there! Walking Festival 2016

For more details visit: www.tfgm.com/walking | /GMwalkingfestival