A Celebration of the GM Ringway Trail
The Summer Bank Holiday of 2024 (Monday 26th August) was a sunny day as we celebrated the success of the GM Ringway walking trail.
Around one hundred walked the final stage, Stage 20, from Stretford to the end of the trail in the city centre, and then continued to HOME to be joined by others for the afternoon's events. It was good to see that many walkers and those at the event were from Area Ramblers Groups.
At HOME we ate, drank, socialised and had speeches. The first of these was from Andrew Read, Originator of and Project Lead for the trail, himself a Ramblers member.
Then several people spoke who have been involved in the trail's development. As well as having to check the route, it has been waymarked and accurately described on a dedicated website and the 'Go Jauntly' walking app. It has also been linked to nearby heritage and hospitality venues, and plans were shared for the future of the trail. Many people from all backgrounds have been involved, including those who don't usually walk in the countryside.
It was good to have Lucy Robinson, Chair of Ramblers Trustees, speak to highlight our involvement, along with Roger Mortlock, CEO of CPRE as the main sponsors. Our Area President, Barbara Keeley, also joined us.
Stage Guardians have been recruited to make sure there is at least one, preferably two, people checking each stage a few times a year in case waymarks need replacing, or if there are any problems with the path. Many of these guardians are also Ramblers members.
Also, a "Friends of GM Ringway" is being set up to ensure the ongoing success of the trail.
If you don't know much about GM Ringway and want to see the latest information or get involved, please visit the dedicated GM Ringway website.