Hunt for Bolton’s ‘secret walks’ gets underway

16 Aug 2019 11:43
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

Residents across Bolton are being encouraged to share their favourite local walks and walking pursuits over the summer holidays, as part of a wider campaign to get people moving.

 

The winning walks will win fitbits, vouchers to spend on walking gear and other walking related goodies to help the winners get out and about over the summer (and beyond!). There are weekly prizes worth £100, with final prizes worth £250 and £500 up for grabs too.

 

To enter the summer competition people need to upload a short video or photo to Instagram or Facebook and tag @GMWalks, accompanied by the hashtag #HiddenWalksGM and some information about where the walk is, and why they love it.

 

Nominated routes could include a site of local interest such as a historic landmark, a hidden oasis that you think deserves some recognition, a walk that has strong personal memories or perhaps a fun way to ditch the car and stroll somewhere instead.

 

The summer walks initiative will share local knowledge about interesting places to explore, wander and toddle, so people and families can rediscover the benefits of walking, reconnect with friends and neighbours, and get out and about in their local area.

 

Beth Sutcliffe, GM Moving’s walking lead, said: “Walking is often overlooked as a way to get active, but it can be a great way to add more movement to your day, as well as being a fun and sociable way to explore the local area too, no matter what your age or fitness level.

 

“It doesn’t need to be about hiking boots and trekking poles - some comfy footwear and adventurous spirit is all you need. Whether you step, roll, push or whatever, it’s about getting out and getting active.

 

“Through this competition we hope that more people will share their favourite walks for others to enjoy over the summer, as well as ideas for ways to get out and about more in Bolton.”

 

AnnMarie Taylor, Bolton’s Physical Activity Co-ordinator, said, “This is a great competition to be running in our area. Often people think of walking as something they have to plan for, have walking boots to achieve or travel miles in the car to get to.

 

“Often more local walks and points of interest get overlooked, with some people not realising what important history, diverse cultural assets and amazing spaces we’ve got, literally, just round the corner!

 

I’m really interested to see what other walks people nominate – mainly as it means I’ll have more places to walk to and investigate for myself.”

 

The initiative follows on from the Greater Manchester Walking Festival 2019 earlier this year, which saw thousands of people taking part in more than 400 walks across the region. It’s all part of GM Moving  – an ambitious plan to help reduce inactivity in the area, supported by Bolton, the NHS and Greater Sport charity.

 

The competition runs until Friday August 30 with weekly prizes worth £100, plus a final grand prize worth £500, and runner up prize worth £250. Ts&Cs apply.

 

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