GM Walking Festival: Oldham to 'get walking and wheeling'

The GM Walking Festival, that will see the region host more than 350 walking and wheeling events, will take place throughout May to coincide with National Walking Month - and those with learning difficulties and autism have been promised extra support.

Pennine Mencap, a charity that supports people with learning difficulties and autism, has announced plans for a walk and wheel club on May 6. It will leave the Oldham base at Rhodes Bank Chambers at 1pm.

The plans come as one in four people in England live with a long-term health condition, and are twice as likely to be inactive, completing less than 30 minutes a week of physical activity.

GM Walking Festival to return this year (Image: Greater Manchester Moving)

The limited exercise is despite evidence that being active outweighs the risks for people with long-term health conditions - and can help manage many conditions.

Louise Robbins, strategic lead GM Walking, said: “This May, we’re encouraging everyone to get walking and wheeling to explore their local area, discovering new places to walk, socialise, and have fun by moving more regularly.

“GM Walking supports everyone to walk regularly in their neighbourhoods and we hope to inspire everyone to do a little bit more by taking part in this year’s festivities.

“We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful region - enjoying the great outdoors is just one of many reasons people may wish to get walking this month."

The full programme of free, group-led walking and wheeling events can be found on the GM Walking website.

She added: “There’s also the amazing mental well-being benefits; better sleep, relieving stress, and building new friendships and connections through group walks.”

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