Wellbeing Walks

There’s a weekly walk for you all year round – come rain or shine

Wellbeing Walks are weekly walks for everyone who wants to get more active, get out in the countryside and have a chat along the way. With walks all over the borough, the chances are you’ll find one close to home and you can also choose ones to suit your fitness and ability. Some are buggy friendly.

Looking for a shorter walk? Check out our low impact walks on Monday in Milnrow and Friday in Syke.

All our walks are led by knowledgeable, trained volunteers, who’ll introduce you to some of the hidden treasures to be found in the nature and history of the place you live.

You don’t need fancy walking gear, just a flat pair of shoes with a tread for grip and a coat to keep out any wind and rain.

No need to book, just come and join us.

Mondays

Milnrow Library Walking Group

Leaves 10 am from Milnrow Library.

Starting and ending at the historic Milnrow Library, this group takes you on a stroll around the Milnrow and Newhey countryside and usually includes a beautiful section of the Rochdale Canal.

Routes are tailored to the participant’s ability on the day. You can choose between a low-impact walk over a shorter distance or a more challenging walk. Walks start and finish at the same time and place. So you still join all the walkers for a social and well-deserved cup of tea afterwards.

Tea and coffee are provided for a small donation.

Hollin Walking Group

Leaves 10.30 am from Hollin Estate Management Board Office.

Starting and ending on the Hollin estate in Middleton, this group goes on a variety of moderate ability walks in the surrounding area. The routes regularly feature a section of the Rochdale Canal and the grounds of Hopwood Hall.

Kirkholt Circular Walk and Talk

Leaves 11 am from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Office, The Strand.

A light one-hour walk starting and finishing at The Strand, Kirkholt. This circular walk takes a lovely route through the Rhodes Ravine and along a short section of the Rochdale Canal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a chat while you stroll.

Tuesdays

Cutgate Walking Group

Leaves 10 am from Denehurst Park entrance, Edenfield Road on all but the 1st Tuesday of the month, when the group leaves from outside Norden Chippy.

This circular walk of around 2 hours takes you through a mixture of semi-rural and rural environments and is suitable for the moderately experienced walker. On the 1st Tuesday of the month the walk from the Norden Chippy or Greenbooth Reservoir explores the stunning rural moorland locally.

Littleborough Library Walking Group

Leaves 10 am from Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park.

Starting and finishing at Littleborough Library in Hare Hill Park. Routes can take you along the tranquil Rochdale Canal with its rich natural heritage and special scientific protected status or the hills above Littleborough with their stunning views. The route you take depends upon the ability of group members and weather conditions on the day.

Wednesdays

Castleton Walking Group

Leaves 10 am from the large car park at the back of Castleton Community Centre.

This group walks around Castleton and surrounding areas with routes incorporating the Rochdale Canal, the local countryside and parks. With several route options, there’s always something different to enjoy.

Hollingworth Lake Walking Group

Leaves 2pm from Hollingworth Lake RSPCA Centre, Rakewood Rd.

Starting and finishing at Hollingworth Lake RSPCA Centre and Café, this more advanced walking group venture out onto the surrounding moorland above Hollingworth Lake, taking in spectacular views as they go. Suitable footwear, clothing and water are a must. The walk takes around 2 hours.

Thursdays

Spotland Library Walking Group

Leaves 10 am from Spotland Library, Ings Lane.

Starting and finishing at Spotland Library, this more advanced group typically head up into the Healey Dell Nature Reserve and the nearby countryside. Suitable footwear, clothing and water are a must. The walk takes around 2 hours.

Queen’s Park Walk

Leaves 10 am from outside The Queen’s Park Café.

Start and finish at Queen’s Park Café. This group often break out into two walking groups. One goes at a slightly more strenuous pace, typically through the Roch Valley. The other, takes a more mindful stroll through the park and the meadows close by, stopping to take in the beautiful fauna and flora as they go. The walks take around one and a half hours.

Fridays

Syke Walk

Leaves 10 am from Syke Methodist Church, Syke Rd.

Starting and finishing at Syke Methodist Church, this group explores the spectacular Syke moorland. Suitable footwear, clothing and water are a must.

Lighthouse Project Walk

Leaves 12 noon, please contact the Lighthouse Project on 0161 643 1163 for the departure point.

Discover the hidden gems of Middleton including, Wince Brook, Hopwood, Boarshaw Clough and surrounding areas. The walks are generally local and designed to be easy, even for beginners. Walks usually take about one and a half hours.

Volunteering and new health walks

We are looking for more volunteers age 18 or over, to lead or support our present health walks. Full training and support provided. We are also looking to work with more community groups to start up new weekly wellbeing walks. If you are interested in volunteering contact us hmrlivingwellvolunteers@biglifecentres.com

Walk regularly and reap the benefits

Our bodies are designed to move, and regular walking is one of the best activities you can do to keep healthy. Thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise (including brisk walking), on five or more days of the week can yield many health benefits.

By walking regularly you can

Reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes
Improve muscle strength
Reduce levels of cholesterol
Reduce weight and maintain your weight loss
Reduce the risk of developing Diabetes
Reduce the risk of Cancer
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve co-ordination and balance
Brisk walking can improve the functioning of the heart, lungs and blood pressure.

Walking in groups can reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness. It can also promote friendships, increase confidence, self-esteem and vitality, boosting your quality of life.