Walk into Christmas Day with John

John Matthews is inviting folk facing Christmas Day alone to share a walk with like-minded others.

Local outdoor enthusiast John, who is managing director of Bigger Pictures in Uppermill, is inviting anyone wanting to avoid loneliness on Christmas Day to join him for a gentle festive walk around Saddleworth.

No more than two hours duration, the walk will climb some of the local hills.

Says John: "I had the most miserable Christmas Day ever in 2023.

"I vowed to never have another like it.

"No manner of mediation could shake the loneliness, I felt i was truly awful and never to be repeated.

“If you want something to look forward to on Christmas Day join me at 9.45am at the Lime Kiln Café car park for a 10am prompt start.

"Please get there early - we won’t be waiting for anyone past 10,” he says.

“This is not a led walk - I am not a guide.

"You are joining me on a walk at your own risk.

"Please wear outdoor gear suitable for the weather forecast – check the weather forecast on the day.”

And he recommends wearing walking boots, an outdoor jacket, suitable clothing, and suggests bringing a flask of hot drink, some water, and your own snacks.

Be prepared to be self-sufficient.

** IMPORTANT **

Please bring a fully charged mobile phone with your next of kin marked ‘ICE’ on your contacts.

Please bring a pen/pencil and a piece of paper also.

The walk will require a moderate amount of fitness.

And John added: ”Depending on who turns up there may be two walks, one easier than the other.

"As mentioned, the walk will be no more than two hours."

He added: “I am a local walker and fell runner and I have had mountain leader and mountain bike leadership training, but I am not a qualified leader.

"I know the local area very well and either walk, mountain bike or run every week in any weather.

“I live in Uppermill and have been a part of ‘Friends of Saddleworth’ local environmental campaign group for a number of years, and I’ve run a business in Saddleworth for over 20 years.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.