Dr Andrew Read, founder of the GM Ringway, recently led a guided walk which explored the history and waterways of Manchester, Trafford and Salford, as part of the YHA’s national Festival of Walking.

Starting at the Manchester YHA, near to the Science and Industry Museum, the route took in the Bridgewater Canal, MediaCity, the Manchester Ship Canal, and the River Irwell. Other highlights included fascinating cultural sites, such as the Castlefield Basin and Roman Fort, the Imperial War Museum North, and Ordsall Hall.

As well as giving people the chance to discover some of Manchester’s most significant historic landmarks, the walk also showcased sections of the GM Ringway, and acted as great advert for all of the Ringway’s 20 stages.

A ticketed and paid-for activity, the event futher helped to raise funds for the GM Ringway Association, the volunteer-run charity which manages the GM Ringway.

Andrew, who was commissioned by Ordnance Survey to produce a new Greater Manchester walks book earlier this year, has also put together a series of six circular walks – including routes around Hollingworth Lake, Jumbles Country Park, and Peak Forest Canal – which are now freely available to access via the Visit Manchester website here.