New £250k walking trail through Salford gets approval

A new £250,000 walking trail that will connect Salford to nine other boroughs in the city region has been given the go-ahead.

Named ‘GM Ringway’, the 186-mile route has been designed around existing footpaths, parks and open-access land stretching from Irlam, to Manchester City Centre and Greenfield.

The 20 stage trail is designed to be accessed by public transport and guides walkers through 57 conservation areas, nine sites of special scientific interest, 18 local nature reserves and parts of the Peak District National Park.

Upon completion, it’s estimated up to 30,000 people will access the route each year.

Founded by the countryside charity, CPRE and walking charity, The Ramblers, ‘GM Ringway’ was funded through a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Andrew Read, GM Ringway Project Lead, said: “The Salford stages of the GM Ringway offer a diverse route from the 21^st century architecture at Salford Quays to 15^th century Ordsall Hall manor house. Our core aim is to connect even more people with our local nature and heritage.

“We’re particularly keen to enable those currently under-represented in the walking community…especially those living in deprived areas, young people, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and different ethnic and faith groups.”

The fund will also help to create an improved app and website, making the route more accessible for lesser experience walkers.

A GM Ringway ‘trail passport’ will also be developed which, it is hoped, will not only allow walkers to mark their progress on the route but also offer discounts to visitor attractions and pubs, cafés and hotels along the way.

Debbie McConnell, Chair of CPRE Lancashire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester said: “The GM Ringway project is truly innovative and could act as a blueprint for other city-regions.

“This inspiring initiative will get a wider range of people involved in heritage, give the local economy a boost, and promote personal wellbeing.

“Thanks to players of the National Lottery, the GM Ringway walking trail will make Greater Manchester an even better place to live.”