Ann's active adventures attract thousands
Date published: 21 February 2022
Members of the Failsworth Walking Group
Ann Garside is serious about walking.
Ann, from Failsworth, has always enjoyed walking on her own, but in 2020, she launched a Facebook group in the hope of finding a regular walking buddy.
"I expected around 20 people to get in touch, but the group ended up being much larger than that!"
The Failsworth Walking Group now has over two-thousand members, many of whom have become lifelong friends, and take part in a huge range of activities and adventures.
"Not everybody in the group is a regular walker." says Ann. "Some of them just enjoy watching our walks and seeing the lovely places we go.
"Throughout the year, we walk three times a week in the morning at 5.30am from Daisy Nook to Hartshead Pike. It’s like a a pre-work, set-you-up-for-the day hike!
The group also hikes at the weekend - covering the Peaks, Dale, Derbyshire and The Lakes. During the winter months there are some evening local walks, and a weekly Wednesday morning walk.
In the summer months, there are walks most evenings as well as the hike weekends. For the more adventurous, there are mountain hikes too.
Due to the size of the group a number of members have completed navigation and mountain skill courses and there is a lowland moorland course lined up for April this year.
Ann, 57, says many members appreciate the benefits of the getting together and keeping fit. "All the walkers love the social aspect. It has really helped them massively throughout the lockdown physically and mentally.
"A lot of members have said how it has been a massive lifeline for them."
Ann is always keen to ensure a range of walks to suit all levels of fitness and ages are available, and encourages members to post and lead their own walks.
"The group attracts all ages and abilities, and we cover a huge age range. So we do try our best to cover all abilities.
"I'm really keen to encourage even more members, and I'm looking at getting a website built. Right now, you can find us on Facebook - and there is a map of Failsworth on the Keppel building where we also get a mention."
Join the Facebook group to find more about the walking group, and the walks currently being organised.
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