Salford Walking Festival is back this week featuring more than 40 guided walks to celebrate the city’s ‘hidden gems’ and promote wellbeing.
Salford’s historic landmarks and unique outdoor areas are set to be explored to the fullest as the annual festival returns.
Beginning on September 25 and ending on September 30, walkers of all abilities will be welcomed to join routes of varying difficulty.
This all-inclusive event offers something for everyone, with over 40 guided walking tours, from hikes to leisurely strolls.
Festival organisers hope to bring Salford communities together, promote physical and mental wellbeing and promote Salford’s green spaces and hidden gems.
Natalie Rossiter, a mindfulness teacher and BACP accredited counsellor, has helped in the organisation of some wellbeing events including the forest bathing and mindful lunchtime walk during the festival.
She said “it is a wonderful project to be a part of. I can’t think of anything more important than wellbeing and good mental health because it affects every aspect of your experience of life; your sense of self, your relationships, your ability to cope when the going gets tough, your capacity for joy, everything.
“Looking after our wellbeing is both an individual and a collective effort; we have a responsibility as humans, as we are social animals, to take care of ourselves and each other.
“That’s why I love being part of group efforts like the walking festival.”
The routes are tailored to all ages and abilities giving complete freedom to explore parks, local history and wildlife along the way.
A few of the event locations can be found here:
One of the highlights includes a walk through Peel Park, one of the oldest public parks in the UK, also hosting the the 1851 royal visit of Queen Victoria to Manchester and Salford.
Other routes go through Worsley Village and Bridgewater Canal, showcasing Salford’s industrial heritage.
The walks also have unique themes, from forest bathing to family-friendly scavenger hunts.
Natalie added: I’ll be guiding a forest bathing session and a mindful lunch break walk. Both of these events are focused on helping people slow down, connect with nature, appreciate beauty and share the experience with other people.
“My hope is that participants both enjoy the sessions and have some techniques to practice in day to day life that help them be more present, regulated and connected.”
There is also a huge focus on mental and physical wellbeing and encourages local residents to be active and get outdoors.
With most of the walks being free and all inclusive, it is a fully accessible event for everyone.
The walks take place at different times during the day.
For sign up details click here.
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