Celia volunteers for Greater Manchester’s new walking trail

Celia Costello (75), who lives in Shaw, is one of the first people to sign up to act as a volunteer for the GM Ringway - Greater Manchester’s walking trail.

The grandmother of four, who is originally from near Preston in Lancashire, moved to the area two years ago to be closer to her family.

A retired social worker, Celia has always been a regular walker and has a love of the countryside.

Even a hip replacement 18 months ago hasn’t put her off getting out and about in the great outdoors.

Celia said: “I enjoy getting out in the fresh air, seeing wildlife and walking near water.

"I don’t mind walking by myself or in a group - they both offer something.

"One of the nice things I've found about walking in a group is the chance to meet different people.

"It's easy to talk while you're walking alongside someone.”

She added: “One reason for getting involved with the GM Ringway is so I could learn more about opportunities for walking Greater Manchester and discover new routes.

"My ambition is to do the whole trail eventually, but in very small chunks. It doesn’t matter how long it takes.

"If I can help the project while doing it, I will.

"So far, I’ve been a back-marker on a couple of the guided walks to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.”

The GM Ringway project aims to recruit approximately 50 volunteers in total to help with guided walks, signposting the stages with wayfinding markers and testing the routes.

The project team also hopes to eventually set up a network of ‘footpath guardians’ to look after designated stages, get involved in community events, and manage the trail long-term.

Andrew Read, GM Ringway Project Lead, said: “We wouldn’t be able to achieve all we’ve set out to do without the help of local people like Celia, and we’re very grateful for the time she is generously giving us.

"Our main objective with the GM Ringway project is to bring the benefits of walking, nature and heritage to a wider range of people.

"We’re keen to work with individuals and community groups across Greater Manchester to achieve our goal.”

The GM Ringway has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players through a £250,000 grant awarded by the Heritage Fund to the countryside charity CPRE, together with The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity,

Green in every way, all 20 stages of the entire 200-mile (323-km) GM Ringway are designed to be accessed by public transport.

Covering all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, the trail explores an astonishing variety of landscapes, including parks, waterways and beautiful countryside.

In addition to its natural beauty, the GM Ringway also allows residents and visitors to explore Greater Manchester’s rich cultural heritage.

The route passes more than 40 Grade I and II* listed buildings, 13 accredited museums and 14 scheduled ancient monuments.

Anyone interested in acting as a volunteer should visit: GMRingway.org and click ‘Get involved’.

The website also provides information and news on the GM Ringway, including route maps for all 20 stages as well as short walks that sample the trail.

The Go Jauntly app, which makes it easy for people to walk the trail independently, can be downloaded free of charge.

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