Star date: 12th July 2020

LOADS OF WALKING AND TALKING AND FRIENDSHIPS

Lockdown walking became the big pastime during the coronavirus crisis, and now The Ramblers charity is encouraging people to make it a permanent habit as the lockdown is eased. There are loads of local groups, including the Manchester and Salford Ramblers, and lots of safe routes and people to walk with. Here, Sam Duffy, who moved from London to Salford knowing few people, tells her story...

Full details here...

During the coronavirus lockdown, walking suddenly took off for people who hadn't moved from the telly or computer for years (including the Salford Star editor and a few local councillors we could mention!).

All of a sudden Kersal Wetlands, Kersal Moor, Drinkwater Park, Buile Hill Park and loads of other green spaces around the city became de rigueur for daily exercise and strolls, and people began to really appreciate the amazing places on our doorsteps...

Now The Ramblers, a charity and an amazing association of people and groups whose goal is to "protect the ability of people to enjoy the sense of freedom and benefits that come from being outdoors on foot", is encouraging people to make it a permanent habit as the lockdown is eased.

There are loads of groups around Greater Manchester, including the Manchester and Salford Ramblers which organises short-ish walks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays; the Mad Walkers for people in their 20s and 30s and do two walks a week, and the Manchester Coach Rambles, which organises fortnightly Sunday walks around the National Parks.

For those who just fancy strolling on their own or with friends, there's loads of safe routes, not just in the countryside but in urban spaces, around local canals and such. Sam Duffy moved to Salford from London for work just before lockdown, and didn't really know anyone in her new neighbourhood.

"The timing of my move had been very unfortunate" she recalls "Just when I needed the support of social networks, everyone had to shut themselves away under lockdown. My parents were close by, but I couldn't visit them. I am a musician and usually make friends through joining bands, but no one could rehearse or perform any more. I couldn't even go into work as my college closed and I had to work from home.

"Being supported with my walks as a member of The Ramblers made me feel part of something and got me out exploring my local area" she explains "It has started to feel more like home as a result."

Sam managed just one Ramblers group walk before the cornavirus crisis lockdown...
"I took the tram and joined a walk starting from Prestwich, which finished up very near my new flat" she says "Until then, I hadn't realised how much 'green' space I could access locally. I found out about the Salford Trail, and started to explore the River Irwell. This gave me a crucial starting point once lockdown started and I couldn't join any more group walks. 
 
"Across that Easter weekend at the start of lockdown I had a week's holiday booked. The weather was glorious, so I walked every day" she enthuses "I explored other parts of the Salford Trail such as Salford Quays and ventured further up the River Irwell to Clifton Viaduct, Aqueduct and Livia Forest. I found out about the local history of the beautiful Weaste Cemetery, and walked the Kersal Wetlands flood basin, The Meadows and Peel Park."

Sam downloaded The Ramblers app and started to also explore the canals and urban areas around Salford and beyond

"Although I hadn't had the time to meet many members in person before lockdown, I really enjoyed being part of the local Ramblers Facebook group" she says "Members shared photos and routes where they had been walking, and advice on how to interpret the lockdown rules. It gave me confidence to explore, as well as more route ideas.

"I was also able to advise other walkers" she adds "For example, once we were allowed to drive to take exercise, I recommended Kersal Wetlands to another walker. She hadn't been sure if it was somewhere she could feel confident about driving to, but she went and shared some lovely pictures...I've built up 'virtual' friendships, and I'm looking forward to meeting them in person and walking with them, once lockdown easing makes it possible..."

To see a list of local Ramblers groups and to find out loads more – click here

Ramblers Routes is an ever-growing collection of more than 3,000 routes across Great Britain, developed by walkers for walkers of all levels of experience, and in both rural and urban areas – see the website for more details and to get the app – click here