The GM Walking Festival is back in May, and once again it is giving people from across Greater Manchester an opportunity to ‘move, connect, and feel good’.

Coordinated by Greater Manchester Moving, and coinciding with National Walking Month, the festival brings together more than 400 guided walks hosted by local organisations and community groups in every borough of Greater Manchester.

From scenic canal strolls to city centre heritage walks, and from family-friendly nature trails to dementia-friendly rambles, every event is free to attend, and aims to be inclusive.

Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include the chance to get off the beaten track and discover the hidden corners of Burrs Country Park in Bury, a ‘Steps Against Stigma’ walk in Salford Quays (where you can join a community opening up about mental health), and a calming wellbeing walk across parks in Sale Moor.

There’s also dedicated events for people over 50, women going through the menopause, and trails specifically designed for lovers of birdsong and woodland nature.

Louise Robbins, GM Moving’s Strategic Lead for Walking and Active Environments, said: “I’m delighted to see so many local groups from all parts of Greater Manchester coming together to make this year’s GM Walking Festival better than ever. And with over 400 walks happening across May, there are countless opportunities to get moving in a way that works for you.”

You find out more about the 2025 GM Walking Festival, and details of the walks, here

For more information on National Walking Month, go here